What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
assuage
Example
She tried to assuage his fears by explaining the safety measures. [assuage: verb]
Example
The warm tea helped to assuage her sore throat. [assuaging: gerund or present participle]
mitigate
Example
The government implemented measures to mitigate the environmental impact of the construction project. [mitigate: verb]
Example
Wearing sunscreen can help mitigate the harmful effects of sun exposure. [mitigating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mitigate is more commonly used than assuage in everyday language. Mitigate is versatile and applicable to a wide range of contexts, while assuage is less common and often used in more specific or personal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between assuage and mitigate?
While assuage is associated with a softer and more empathetic tone, mitigate can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Mitigate is often employed in technical or professional settings due to its broader applicability.
