Vitiate
Verb
Definition: To lower the quality or effectiveness of something.
Synonyms: Impair, Spoil, Taint
Antonyms: Enhance, Improve, Strengthen
Examples:
- The presence of pollutants in the water supply vitiated its safety.
- The negative reviews vitiated the reputation of the restaurant.
Mnemonics:
- Think of "viti" as a root meaning "fault" or "impairment."
- The word sounds similar to "deviate," which can imply a negative or detrimental shift.
Etymology:
Origin:
Middle English, from Latin "vitiatus," past participle of "vitiare," meaning "to spoil" or "corrupt."
Historical Usage:The word has been used since medieval times and has retained its basic meaning throughout its history.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
None found for "vitiate."
Explanation:The word is relatively straightforward in its meaning and usage.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
None known for "vitiate."
Explanation:The word is relatively straightforward in its meaning and usage.