A–Z Vocabulary
Crucial IELTS words starting with M — mitigate, meticulous, multifaceted and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
verb
Definition
To make less severe, serious, or painful.
Example sentence
“Renewable energy investment is essential to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.”
Memory trick
'MIT-igate' sounds like a 'mitt' (glove) softening a blow.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Example sentence
“Meticulous record-keeping is essential to maintaining public trust in scientific research.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'me-TICK-ulous' — ticking every detail off a checklist.
Common collocations
verb / adjective
Definition
(v.) To show or display clearly; (adj.) clear and obvious.
Example sentence
“Public dissatisfaction with rising inequality has manifested in growing electoral volatility.”
Memory trick
Manifest like a magician — making something appear clearly.
Common collocations
noun / verb
Definition
(n.) Authority to act in a particular way; (v.) to require by law.
Example sentence
“The newly elected government has a clear mandate to reform the country's tax system.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'demand' — a mandate is a formal demand.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To treat a person or group as insignificant or peripheral.
Example sentence
“Effective social policy must address the structural factors that marginalise vulnerable communities.”
Memory trick
Pushed to the 'margin' of the page — out of the main story.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Having many sides or aspects.
Example sentence
“Tackling urban poverty requires a multifaceted strategy combining housing, employment, and education.”
Memory trick
'Multi-' (many) + 'facet' (side of a gem) — many sides.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Of great importance or significance.
Example sentence
“The signing of the Paris Agreement was widely regarded as a momentous step in global climate cooperation.”
Memory trick
A 'moment' that matters greatly — momentous.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Limited in size, amount, or extent; not excessive; humble.
Example sentence
“Even a modest reduction in working hours has been shown to improve overall productivity.”
Memory trick
A modest person doesn't brag — modest means limited or humble.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Lacking interest or excitement; ordinary; everyday.
Example sentence
“Automation is increasingly taking over mundane tasks, allowing workers to focus on creative work.”
Memory trick
From Latin 'mundus' (world) — of this world, worldly, ordinary.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To intervene between people in a dispute to bring about agreement.
Example sentence
“The UN has often been called upon to mediate in long-running international conflicts.”
Memory trick
'Med-' (middle) — to be in the middle and bring sides together.
Common collocations