Words / B2

f-uh-SIL-it-ayt/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/

To facilitate is to make a process easier or help it happen smoothly: facilitate discussion / learning / access. Help is everyday; enable is “make possible”; facilitate is process-focused and quite formal. A facilitator runs a workshop without dominating it; the word is too stiff for everyday favours.

Meaning

To make a process easier.

Examples

• “Group work can facilitate discussion.”
• “Clear headings facilitate revision.”
• “A round table can facilitate more open debate.”

Good to know

Formal make easier. facilitate a process / discussion. Person: facilitator.

Near in meaning

ease

New