Definition of mitigate

The word "mitigate" comes from the Latin root "mitigāre," meaning "to make mild" or "to alleviate." The prefix "mi-" is a combining form that simply means "mild" or "soften," while the suffix "-āre" is a verb-forming element that converts nouns into verbs. In Roman times, the word "mitigāre" was used to describe the process of lessening the harshness of a punishment or a penalty. It was typically applied to legal contexts, as a judge, for example, might "mitigate" a sentence by reducing the severity of the punishment in light of the defendant's circumstances, such as remorse or to prove his or her usefulness in society. The word "mitigate" first appeared in Middle English in the 14th century, where it was written as "mitten," but its meaning remained consistent. As the word evolved, it broadened to encompass other scenarios where an action or condition might be softened or reduced in severity. Today, "mitigate" is used in a variety of contexts, including describing the effects of climate change or other environmental factors, as well as in legal, political, and medical contexts. In short, the word "mitigate" owes its origins to the Latin language, where it was used in its original legal sense. Its evolution over time has resulted in its broad usage today, where it describes processes of lessening or softening the severity of impacts or effects in many different domains.