WordValefacilitate
to make easier
to make a process easier
In more detail
1. (verb) to make something easier or help it happen
2. (verb) to be in charge of a meeting or group activity and help people work together
Examples
- 1. Better technology will facilitate communication between team members.
- 2. She facilitated the discussion by asking thoughtful questions.
How to use facilitate
Facilitate means to make a process easier or smoother, often by removing obstacles or providing support. In professional contexts, it frequently describes leading a meeting or group activity where the leader helps participants achieve their goals rather than imposing a predetermined outcome. It is more formal than 'help' and suggests enabling something to progress naturally.
Common phrases
- facilitate communication
- facilitate learning
- facilitate a discussion
- facilitate a workshop
- facilitate cooperation
Synonyms
enable · promote · assist · aid · expedite
Opposites
hinder · obstruct · impede
Word family
facilitator · facilitation · facilitating
A common mistake
Learners often use facilitate when they simply mean 'to do' or 'to cause'; facilitate requires enabling or supporting a process, not directly performing the action itself.
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