Meaning & use
precipitate
Last updated
to cause an event or situation to happen suddenly or sooner than expected.
See it in a sentence
The scandal precipitated the resignation of three senior executives.
A sudden drop in temperature precipitated the crop failure.
A note on using this word
As an adjective, 'precipitate' describes hasty or rash action (a precipitate decision); as a noun, it refers to a solid substance separated from a solution in chemistry.
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. adjective
done rashly or with excessive haste
He regretted his precipitate decision to quit without a backup plan.
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