Choose the closest meaning of MITIGATE.

**The reasoning** **Mitigate** means to make something less severe, serious, or painful. Think of it like reducing the damage or impact of something bad. The word comes from the Latin *mitigare* (to soften). When you mitigate a problem, you're **softening its blow** — not eliminating it completely, but making it more bearable. Examples: - "The government took steps to **mitigate** the effects of the drought" = reduce how badly the drought affected people - "He apologized to **mitigate** her anger" = lessen her anger **Why the wrong options tempt you** **A) Worsen** — This is the opposite! Some students pick this because both words sound "strong" or formal, but mitigate actually does the reverse of worsening. **C) Ignore** — Tempting because when you ignore a problem, you might *think* it goes away. But mitigating means actively reducing harm, not pretending it doesn't exist. **D) Discuss** — Sounds educated and formal like "mitigate," but discussion doesn't necessarily reduce severity. **Quick takeaway** Remember: **Mitigate = Make it MILD** (both start with 'MI'). You're reducing the severity, not removing the problem entirely.