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Vitiate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vitiate

[ˈvɪʃieɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

alter quality

To vitiate means to impair or weaken the effectiveness, quality, or purity of something. This term is often used in legal contexts to describe how a document can be rendered invalid or ineffective. In a broader sense, it can also refer to compromising moral values or principles. The word shows the action of diminishing or nullifying something's inherent quality or integrity.

Synonyms

corrupt, impair, invalidate, mar, weaken.

Examples of usage

  • The scandal may vitiate his reputation.
  • This evidence could vitiate their entire argument.
  • Poor management decisions could vitiate the success of the project.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal terms, vitiate can refer to making a contract void or unenforceable, due to issues like fraud or misrepresentation.
  • Vitiation in law can also highlight how a person's consent might be influenced, leading to a claim that the agreement isn't valid.
  • Certain clauses in contracts are often included to prevent vitiating factors, ensuring all parties are informed and aware.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have discussed vitiation in the context of moral actions, arguing that certain intentions can vitiate the goodness of an action.
  • The concept of 'vitiated will' is seen in ethical discussions, where a person’s ability to choose rightly can be impaired by external influences.
  • Vitiating factors in ethical dilemmas often lead to debates on accountability and moral responsibility.

Literature

  • In classical literature, the vitiation of innocence is a recurring theme, often depicting the loss of purity through negative influences.
  • Authors may use vitiated characters as metaphors for moral decay, reflecting societal issues in their narratives.
  • The concept has been explored in various genres, from tragedy to modern psychological thrillers.

Science

  • In scientific contexts, vitiating can refer to the contamination of a sample or signal, affecting the results of experiments.
  • Chemists discuss how impurities can vitiate the properties of compounds, leading to inaccurate conclusions.
  • The concept is critical in fields like medicine, where the vitiation of data can lead to serious challenges in interpretation.

Origin of 'vitiate'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Latin word 'vitiari', which means 'to make faulty' or 'to spoil'.
  • The prefix 'vi-' in Latin relates to 'vice', which refers to a fault or imperfection.
  • The word has been used in English since the 15th century, showcasing its long-standing relevance.

The word 'vitiate' comes from the Latin verb 'vitiāre', which means 'to make faulty or to spoil'. The Latin root 'vitium' translates to 'fault' or 'vice'. In English, the term has been used since the 15th century and has maintained its focus on ideas of corruption or impairment. The usage of 'vitiate' has evolved over time but generally remains rooted in the concepts of weakening or invalidating something's intrinsic value. As such, it often finds its place in legal, philosophical, and moral discussions, where the implications of damaging or compromising elements are examined. Its presence in contemporary language reflects ongoing concerns with integrity and authenticity.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,628, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.