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What is the meaning of the root "fac-" in the word "facilitate"?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this language/etymology problem step by step:

Step 2:
: Analyze the Root Word

The root "fac-" comes from the Latin verb "facere", which means "to do" or "to make". This is a fundamental Latin root that appears in many English words.

Step 3:
: Break Down the Word "Facilitate"

- "Facilitate" is derived from the Latin root "facilis", meaning "easy" or "that can be done" - The suffix "-ate" turns the root into a verb, indicating an action

Step 4:
: Understand the Meaning

The root "fac-" contributes the core meaning of "doing" or "making something happen" to the word "facilitate". When you facilitate something, you are literally "making something easier" or "helping something to happen smoothly".

Step 5:
: Examples of Related Words

Other words using the same root include: - Fact (something that is done or made) - Factory (a place where things are made) - Manufacture (to make by hand or machine) - Facile (easily done)

Final Answer

The root "fac-" means "to do" or "to make", and in the word "facilitate", it conveys the sense of making something easier or helping something happen smoothly.