militate vs mitigate
Definitions
verb
- have force or influence; bring about an effect or change
Examples
The supervisor's presence militated against a relaxed atmosphere.
She felt that she had spoken as impressively as it was necessary to do, and that in using the superior word "militate" she had thrown a noble drapery over a mass of particulars which were still evident enough.
This seemed to militate against life; and then I felt, for the first time and not the last, that death at least is straightforward.
Definitions
verb
- make less severe or harsh
- lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
Examples
For all the abuse, there are moments of unmitigated delight as well.
Measures need to be taken to mitigate the environmental effects of burning more coal.
So, if I show a single qualification or exception, then "unmitigated" is incorrect.
