precipitate

Everyday

1. (verb, formal) To make something bad happen suddenly or sooner than expected: «The argument precipitated a fight». tree →
2. (verb, chemistry) For a solid to form and separate out of a liquid during a reaction; (noun) the solid that forms. tree →
3. (verb, science) For water vapour to fall as rain, snow, sleet or hail. tree →
4. (adjective, formal) Done too quickly, without thinking: «a precipitate decision». tree →
5. To precipitate yourself means to throw yourself suddenly and headlong into something. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons: mixing two clear liquids can make a cloudy precipitate; «precipitation» is rain, snow and hail in weather lessons. In history and the exam voice: an event «precipitated» a war or a crisis. In stories: a precipitate act is hasty. Phrases: «precipitate a crisis», «a white precipitate», «precipitate into».

Examples

• The rude comment precipitated a big argument. tree →
• When we mixed the two liquids, a white precipitate formed. tree →
• The storm precipitated a power cut. tree →
• Water vapour cools and precipitates as rain. tree →
• His precipitate decision to quit the team surprised everyone. tree →
• The chalky solid precipitated to the bottom of the test tube. tree →
• The loss of his job precipitated the family's move. tree →
• With a despairing scream the pirate leapt upon Long Tom and precipitated himself into the sea. tree →

Note

Regular verb: precipitated. Stress differs: verb pre-SIP-i-tate; noun and adjective pre-SIP-i-tut or pre-SIP-i-tate. Related: «precipitation» (rain, snow, sleet, hail), «precipitous» (very steep). The formal adjective «precipitate» (hasty) is rare; «hasty» or «rash» is more common.