militate vs mitigate :

militate or mitigate

These are not very common words, but people who use them—especially lawyers—tend to mix them up. “Militate” is usually followed by “against” in a phrase that means “works against”: “His enthusiasm for spectacular collisions militates against his becoming a really effective air traffic controller.” “Mitigate” means almost the opposite: to make easier, to moderate. “His pain at leaving was mitigated by her passionate kiss.” It should not be followed by “against.”

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Definitions
  militate
  • v  have force or influence; bring about an effect or change
    Politeness militated against this opinion being expressed
  mitigate
  • v  lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
  • v  make less severe or harsh
News & Articles
  militate
  • New Xulon Title Helps Mold the Next Generation for Success
    MAITLAND, Fla., June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Jane Nwaogu's new book, SIGNATURE IN JET-AGE PARENTING ($15.49, paperback, 978-1-62697-006-9; $25.49, hardcover, 978-1-62509-619-7; $7.99, e-book, 978-1-62697-007-6) raises social, moral, spiritual and psychological issues that militate...
    June 19, 2013 - PR Newswire
  • New Xulon Title Helps Mold the Next Generation for Success
    MAITLAND, Fla., June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Jane Nwaogu's new book, SIGNATURE IN JET-AGE PARENTING ($15.49, paperback, 978-1-62697-006-9; $25.49, hardcover, 978-1-62509-619-7; $7.99, e-book, 978-1-62697-007-6) raises social, moral, spiritual and psychological issues that militate...
    June 19, 2013 - PR Newswire
  mitigate