Word
precipitate
Phoneticspre·cip·i·tate, stress on the second syllable
/pɹɪˈsɪpɪˌteɪt/
Definitions
01to cause suddenly
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to make something happen much sooner than expected, usually something bad.
v. to cause an event or situation, typically one that is undesirable, to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.
“The sudden increase in oil prices helped precipitate a national economic crisis.”
“The assassination of the archduke served to precipitate a chain of events that led directly to the outbreak of global conflict.”
Usage
This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object, usually a noun representing a crisis or change.
02chemistry
C2 · Proficiency Science Technical
v. to cause a solid substance to form and separate from a liquid solution.
v. to cause a substance to be deposited in solid form from a solution through a chemical reaction or change in conditions.
“Adding salt to the mixture will precipitate the silver as a white solid.”
“The chemist adjusted the pH of the solution to precipitate the proteins for further analysis in the lab.”
Usage
Can be used transitively (to precipitate a substance) or intransitively (the substance precipitates).
Antonyms
03done too quickly
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. done very fast and without enough thinking.
adj. acting or done with excessive haste or without sufficient deliberation.
“The committee realized that their precipitate decision had caused more problems than it solved.”
“The general was criticized for his precipitate withdrawal, which left the remaining allied forces vulnerable to a counter-attack.”
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this adjective with 'precipitous', which usually describes a very steep drop or cliff.
Antonyms
04chemical solid
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. the solid material that forms in a liquid during a chemical reaction.
n. a solid substance that is separated from a liquid solution during a chemical reaction.
“A yellow precipitate formed at the bottom of the test tube after the two liquids were mixed.”
“The researchers filtered the precipitate from the remaining liquid to weigh the amount of mineral recovered.”
Real-World Examples
“The team could use this tool to systematically knock out numerous metabolic genes to determine which, if any, could play a role in either enhancing intestinal immunity or precipitating disease.” “Coll’s tacit condoning of Fournier’s actions has terrible consequences – not least for himself – but it is symptomatic also of a moral cowardice that will indirectly precipitate a greater calamity.” Etymology
From Latin praecipitātus, perfect passive participle of praecipitō (“throw down, hurl down, throw headlong”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) for more), from praeceps (“head foremost, headlong”) (praecipit- in its oblique stem), from prae (“before”) + -ceps (“headed”).
From Latin praecipitātus (see Etymology 1 and -ate (adjective-forming suffix) for more).
From New Latin praecipitatum. Equivalent to Latin praecipitō + -ate (noun-forming suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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