words that end with a t e

3 min read 16-04-2025

Words That End in -ate: A Comprehensive Guide

Meta Description: Discover a treasure trove of words ending in "-ate"! This comprehensive guide explores their meanings, origins, and usage, helping you expand your vocabulary. Learn about common and less-common -ate words with examples and helpful tips.

Title Tag: Words Ending in -ate: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Words ending in "-ate" are surprisingly common in the English language. This suffix, derived from Latin, signifies a diverse range of meanings, often indicating actions, states of being, or resulting qualities. Understanding these words can significantly enrich your vocabulary and writing. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of words ending in "-ate," categorized for easier understanding. Many words ending in "-ate" are verbs, but a substantial number are also adjectives or nouns. Let's delve into the fascinating world of words ending in "-ate"!

Common Words Ending in -ate

This section focuses on words frequently encountered in everyday language. Knowing these words is essential for clear and effective communication.

Create: To bring something into existence. Example: Let's create a masterpiece!
Operate: To control or use a machine or system. Example: I know how to operate this software.
Calculate: To determine something mathematically. Example: Calculate the total cost of the project.
Estimate: To roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of something. Example: I estimate the project will take about a month.
Celebrate: To mark a special occasion with a festivity. Example: We will celebrate our anniversary next week.
Relate: To show or make a connection between two or more things. Example: Can you relate this evidence to the crime scene?
Separate: To set or keep apart. Example: Separate the whites from the yolks.
Advocate: To publicly recommend or support. Example: He advocates for environmental protection.
Evaluate: To judge the value or quality of something. Example: We need to evaluate the risks before proceeding.

Less Common but Useful Words Ending in -ate

Expanding your vocabulary beyond common usage enhances your communication skills. Here are some less frequently used words ending in "-ate" that can add depth and sophistication to your writing.

Debilitate: To weaken significantly. Example: The illness debilitated him for weeks.
Eviscerate: To remove the entrails of; to gut; to destroy completely. Example: The critic eviscerated the author's new novel.
Exacerbate: To make worse. Example: The heavy rain exacerbated the flooding.
Inculcate: To instill (an attitude, idea, or habit) by persistent instruction. Example: The school aimed to inculcate good manners in all students.
Capitulate: To cease resisting an opponent or an unwelcome demand. Example: The army finally capitulated after weeks of fighting.
Proliferate: To increase rapidly in numbers. Example: Rumors proliferated throughout the city.
Attenuate: To reduce the force, effect, or value of something. Example: The medicine attenuated the symptoms of the disease.
Emanate: To come out from a source. Example: A strange odor emanated from the basement.

Words Ending in -ate: Nouns and Adjectives

While many "-ate" words are verbs, some are nouns or adjectives. Here are a few examples:

Nitrate: A salt or ester of nitric acid (noun).
Sulphate: A salt or ester of sulfuric acid (noun).
Candidate: A person nominated for election or appointment (noun).
Associate: A person with whom one works, spends time, or shares a common interest (noun). Also, connected with something else (adjective).
Private: Belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group (adjective).

Tips for Using Words Ending in -ate

Context is Key: The meaning of a word ending in "-ate" is heavily dependent on its context. Pay close attention to surrounding words for accurate understanding.
Dictionary is Your Friend: If unsure about the precise meaning or usage of a particular word, consult a dictionary.
Practice Makes Perfect: The best way to improve your vocabulary is by actively using new words in your writing and speaking.

Conclusion

Mastering words ending in "-ate" can significantly boost your communication skills and vocabulary. From common words like "create" and "operate" to less frequent but equally valuable terms like "debilate" and "exacerbate," understanding their nuances enhances your ability to express yourself effectively. Remember to utilize context, consult references, and practice regularly to fully integrate these words into your everyday language. The journey of expanding your vocabulary is a rewarding one—enjoy the process of discovering the rich tapestry of words ending in "-ate"!