Make Your Point > Archived Issues > MILITATE

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connect today's word to others: Today we're checking out the verb militate, a close relative of our adjective militant. Can you explain what it means if "he's militant in that opinion" or "she's militant in protecting that secret"? To militate against things is to fight them, to combat them, to exert force against them and stop them from even happening, like a military standing strong, pushing forward, forcing the opposition to retreat. Here's a similar idea, based on a different metaphor: to un_____ne things is to ruin them, to weaken them, to work against them in a sneaky way, like you're digging a tunnel under them, destroying the ground they stand on, increasing the danger that they'll cave in.   (To reveal any word with blanks, give it a click.) make your point with... "MILITATE" Originally, to militate meant to work in the military: to serve as a soldier. These days, to militate most often means to work hard and powerfully, like a soldier would, usually against something. Pronunciation: MILL uh tate Part of speech: Verb, the intransitive kind: "it militates against this," "he militates," "they militate against it," "she militated for this." Other forms: Militated, militating. (For the adjective and its related forms, check out the issue for militant.) How to use it: "Militate" is a serious word with a strong tone. Sometimes we talk about people and things (like facts, ideas, factors, and circumstances) that militate for or in favor of something: a leader who militates for economic growth, a teacher shortage that militates in favor of better pay. Often, though, we talk about people and things that militate against things: a leader militates against crime, an incentive militates against honest business practices, "silence militates against solidarity" (The Guardian), "populist nationalism would seem to militate against an international brotherhood" (The New Yorker). Notice how we often talk in gloomy terms about the people and things that militate against good things: a belief that militates against trust or compassion or cooperation, a history of enmity that militates against reconciliation, an attitude that militates against a solution to the problem, a hateful stereotype that militates against equality. examples: He wants to write a novel, but the fear of failure and the difficulty of getting started are militating against this desire. "It would be a better world if anti-Semitic regimes put aside their hatreds to pursue their vital interests, but history militates against that illusion."    — David Wolpe, TIME, 14 July 2015 study it: Explain the meaning of "militate" without saying "fight" or "combat." try it out: Fill in the blanks: "We need (some kind of important change, upgrade, or reform), but (some person, group, or factor) (is/are) always militating against it." Example: "We need schools to stay open all year, but tradition and reluctance, not to mention budget constraints, are always militating against it." before you review, play: Spend 20 seconds or more on the game below. Don’t skip straight to the review—let your working memory empty out first. Our game this month is "Inspired by, but in no way associated with, Jeopardy!" In each issue, I'll create three "answers" for you, and you supply the "questions." (That is, you'll respond in the form of a question, like "What is...?" or "Who is...?") From the previous issue: 1. Category: "SNOO." Answer: It's a device similar to binoculars that renders infra-red radiation visible. Question: What is a snooperscope? 2. Category: A-Z.  Answer: It's rice, or a rice dish--in Spanish or Latin American cuisine. Question: What is arroz? 3. Category: On the What? Answer: Currently broadcasting. Question: What is "on the air"? Try these today: 1. Category: A-Z.  Answer: Including the German word for "lightning," this two-word phrase indicates a sudden, violent attack from above. 2. Category: On the What? Answer: Postponed or deferred--perhaps you'll stir it later, or leave it to simmer. 3. Category: 2019 Models. Answer: It's a Kia model, probably named for the Latin for "strong." review today's word: 1. One opposite of MILITATE AGAINST is A. ADVOCATE FOR. B. BILK FOR. C. CALUMNIATE FOR. 2. After Strunk and White and their _____ militated against wordiness, a whole generation of writers are afraid to invent details. A. disciples B. aficionados C. legionnaires Answers are below. a final word: Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each weekday morning by Liesl Johnson, a reading and writing tutor on a mission to explore, illuminate, and celebrate words. From Liesl's blog:    36 ways to study words.    Why we forget words, & how to remember them.    How to use sophisticated words without being awkward. To be a sponsor and include your ad in an issue, please contact me at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: When I write definitions, I use plain language and stick to the words' common, useful applications. If you're interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words, I encourage you to check a dictionary. Also, because I'm American, I stick to American English when I share words' meanings, usage, and pronunciations; these elements sometimes vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. A 2. C