What does precipitate mean?
Oxford defined it as: cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.
Merriam-Webster as: to bring about especially abruptly.
Collins : If something precipitates an event or situation, usually a bad one, it causes it to happen suddenly or sooner than normal.
So how do you know when they mean suddenly or unexpectedly or prematurely?
For example: The Fall of Rome precipitated the fragmentation of the empire.
An invasion would certainly precipitate a war.
Top answer
Anorak Han Ed So how do you know when they mean suddenly or unexpectedly or prematurely? The meaning is determined by the context. It is found in an expository paragraph in an article or essay.
- Anorak Han Ed So how do you know when they mean suddenly or unexpectedly or prematurely?
- The meaning is determined by the context.
- It is found in an expository paragraph in an article or essay.
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Anorak Han EdSo how do you know when they mean suddenly or unexpectedly or prematurely?
The meaning is determined by the context. It is found in an expository paragraph in an article or essay.
0Anorak Han EdSo how do you know when they mean suddenly or unexpectedly or prematurely?
Oxford was trying to be helpful, but they ended up confusing you unnecessarily. Collins, too. M-W comes closest to the core meaning, but it seems they left a comma off: "to bring about, especially abruptly". Dictionary definitions cannot be taken lit
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