facilitate

Everyday

1. (formal) To facilitate something means to make it easier or help it happen. tree →
2. To facilitate a meeting or discussion means to guide it so everyone can take part. tree →

In the lessons

It is a formal word used by teachers, reports and exam questions: «The new ramp facilitates access for wheelchairs». In everyday talk people usually say «help» or «make easier». In science, things like enzymes facilitate reactions. Phrases: «facilitate learning», «facilitate a discussion».

Examples

• The new bridge will facilitate travel between the towns. tree →
• Ramps facilitate access for wheelchair users. tree →
• The teacher facilitated our class discussion. tree →
• Computers can facilitate learning. tree →
• Enzymes facilitate digestion. tree →
• Clear rules facilitate fair play. tree →

Note

Regular verb: facilitated. Noun: facilitation; person: facilitator. Formal register. You facilitate something (a process), not usually a person: «facilitate the move», not «facilitate me». Pronounced «fuh-SIL-ih-tate».