English Reference
verb

facilitate

v.
US /fəˈsɪɫəˌteɪt/ UK /fəsˈɪlɪtˌeɪt/ fa·cil·i·tate UK spelling facilitates, facilitating

  1. 01 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    to make a process or activity easier to do or finish.

    to make an action or process easy or easier; to decrease the difficulty of a task.

    Simple

    The new software will facilitate faster communication between our offices.

    In context

    The implementation of streamlined protocols was designed specifically to facilitate the rapid exchange of data across international research teams.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    to help something happen or develop.

    to assist the progress of or help bring about a specific result or event.

    Simple

    The government passed new laws to facilitate economic growth.

    In context

    The trade agreement is expected to facilitate a significant increase in cross-border investment over the next decade.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    to lead a meeting or a group discussion so that people can work together well.

    to act as a facilitator; to lead a group process or meeting without taking a side in the debate.

    Simple

    She was hired to facilitate the workshop and help the team solve their problems.

    In context

    A neutral consultant was brought in to facilitate the negotiations, ensuring that every stakeholder had an equal opportunity to voice their concerns.

Usage environment facilitate · facilitate access · facilitate acquisition

In a report published on Thursday, the White House said more than 40 countries have participated in a shadow logistics network facilitating the flow of Chinese goods into the US under false labelling.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

To further increase his chances, Efan was advised to learn Russian because it can help facilitate training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, according to The European Space Agency.

BBC News· 12 Aug 2026

Anglicisation of French faciliter (“facilitate”) through -ate (verb-forming suffix), ultimately from Latin facilis.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin facilis
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated