Militate

Pronunciation: /ˈmɪlɪˌteɪt/

Definitions of militate

verb to have a substantial effect or influence; to operate against something

Example Sentences

A1 The rainy weather militated against having a picnic.

A2 His lack of experience militated against him getting the job.

B1 The new regulations militate against small businesses trying to compete.

B2 The lack of funding militated against the success of the project.

C1 The cultural differences between the two countries militate against forming a strong alliance.

C2 The political unrest in the region militates against any hope for peace negotiations.

Examples of militate in a Sentence

formal The lack of funding may militate against the success of the project.

informal His stubbornness will militate against any chance of reconciliation.

slang Her negative attitude really militates against her popularity.

figurative The dark clouds militate against having a picnic today.

Grammatical Forms of militate

• past tense: militated
• plural: militates
• comparative: more militating
• superlative: most militating
• present tense: militates
• future tense: will militate
• perfect tense: has militated
• continuous tense: is militating
• singular: militates
• positive degree: militate
• infinitive: militate
• gerund: militating
• participle: militated

Origin and Evolution of militate

First Known Use: 1620 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'militate' originated from the Latin word 'militare' which means 'to serve as a soldier'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'militate' has evolved to also mean 'to have a substantial effect or influence' in a more general sense, beyond just military contexts.