WordGarden.ioconciliate
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /kənsˈɪlɪˌeɪt/
US
Meanings
Verb
to calm or placate an angry, hostile, or dissatisfied person
to settle a disagreement or bring opposing people, groups, or interests into agreement
Beyond the definition
Imagine two siblings squabbling over a toy. To conciliate them means to soothe their feelings, find a compromise, and restore peace. It's about making someone less hostile or angry – often by listening to their point of view and offering something they can accept.
Conciliation isn't always about admitting you're wrong (even if you aren't). It's about finding common ground. A diplomat might try to conciliate the warring sides, while a manager might conciliate an unhappy employee with a raise or promotion. The word suggests a deliberate effort to smooth things over and build goodwill. Think of it as building bridges instead of walls.
To conciliate someone means to stop them from being angry or upset: to pacify or appease them, and sometimes to help people reconcile – often by making concessions or offering a friendly gesture. It's more than just calming someone down; it involves understanding their grievances and addressing them in a way that restores harmony.
The roots of conciliate lie in the Latin word "conciliare," meaning "to bring together." This hints at its core purpose: to unite opposing forces or viewpoints. You might see conciliation used in political contexts, where leaders attempt to conciliate different factions within their country. For example, "The president attempted to conciliate the opposition party by offering them key positions in his cabinet."
However, it's not limited to grand politics. A parent might conciliate a child after a scolding with a hug and an explanation. A company might conciliate disgruntled customers by offering refunds or apologies.
It's important to note that conciliation doesn't necessarily mean agreeing with the other party. It simply means finding a way to satisfy their concerns enough to restore a peaceful relationship. Sometimes, this involves compromise; other times, it requires acknowledging their feelings and offering a gesture of goodwill. A skilled negotiator understands how to conciliate opposing sides to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
So, whether you're dealing with international disputes or everyday disagreements, to conciliate someone is about building bridges, easing tensions, and restoring harmony through understanding and compromise.
Examples
- 1
Apology
She brought flowers and a written apology to conciliate her neighbors after the noisy party.
- Usage
formal; more common in writing than in everyday conversation
- 2
Workplace dispute
The manager promised more flexible hours to conciliate angry staff members.
- 3
Election
The government cut fuel taxes to conciliate rural voters before the election.
- 4
Investor confidence
His speech was carefully written to conciliate investors without admitting the company had failed.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- conciliate the opposition
- conciliate critics
- conciliate opposing parties
- a conciliatory gesture
Word family
Explore
- mediation
- de-escalation
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- conciliateverb
Forms
- conciliating-ing formverb
- conciliatedpast tenseverb
- conciliatesverb