facilitate
To make a process or action easier or help it happen.
Examples
In a meeting
“My role is to facilitate communication between the two teams.”
Over coffee
“The new app facilitates splitting bills with friends.”
Why this word
help
Facilitate specifically means making a process easier by removing obstacles, while help is general assistance
enable
Enable means making possible, while facilitate means making easier or smoother when already possible
assist
Facilitate implies creating conditions for success rather than direct involvement like assist suggests
Usage tip
You facilitate processes, not people. Say 'facilitate the discussion' not 'facilitate the team'.
Etymology
Latin facilis (easy) — from facere (to do, make)
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Related words
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
initiate
To cause a process or action to begin.
preliminary
Coming before and preparing for the main part or event; initial.
replicate
Make an exact copy or repeat a process identically
standardize
Make things uniform or consistent across the board
incubate
Develop ideas or projects gradually through nurturing conditions