WordGarden.ioconciliatory
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kənsˈɪlɪətərˌi/
US
- /kənˈsɪˌliəˌtɔri/
Meanings
Adjective
intended to reduce disagreement and restore friendly relations
Beyond the definition
Imagine two kids arguing over a toy. One child, instead of escalating the fight, offers to share—that's being conciliatory! It means trying to make someone less angry or hostile, often by being understanding and agreeable. A conciliatory gesture is an attempt to smooth things over. Think of it as building bridges instead of walls. Politicians might adopt a conciliatory tone after a heated debate, hoping to find common ground.
The word comes from the Latin conciliare, meaning "to unite" or "bring together." So when you're being conciliatory, you're actively trying to bring people closer and resolve conflict. It's about softening your approach to encourage cooperation.
To be conciliatory is to act in a way that seeks to appease or pacify someone—to make them less hostile. It involves showing goodwill, understanding, and a willingness to compromise, even if you don't fully agree with the other person's viewpoint. For example: "The company offered a conciliatory apology after the product recall," meaning they tried to soothe customer anger through an expression of regret.
Conciliatory isn't about admitting fault if you haven't done anything wrong; it's about prioritizing peaceful resolution over winning an argument. It's often used in situations involving conflict, disagreement, or tension. You might say: "The diplomat adopted a conciliatory approach to the negotiations," meaning they aimed to find common ground and avoid escalation.
It can manifest as gestures like offering concessions, expressing empathy, or simply speaking in a gentle tone. A leader who chooses a conciliatory path after a divisive election is attempting to unite the country rather than deepen existing rifts.
Historically, "conciliatory" has also been used in religious contexts, referring to efforts to reconcile differing beliefs. While still relevant today, it's now broadly applied to any situation where someone seeks to ease tension and foster harmony.
So whether you're mediating a dispute between friends or navigating complex political negotiations, being conciliatory is about choosing understanding and cooperation over conflict and division—a gentle hand extended in the hope of building peace.
Examples
- 1
Digital message
After the argument, she sent a conciliatory text asking if they could talk.
- 2
Workplace conflict
The manager took a conciliatory tone and promised to listen to both sides.
- 3
Political speech
His speech was meant to be conciliatory, but some voters still felt offended.
- 4
Public gesture
The government made a conciliatory gesture by releasing several protesters.
- Phraseconciliatory gesture
an action meant to reduce conflict
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Negotiations
We need a more conciliatory approach if we want the negotiations to continue.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- conciliatory gesture
- conciliatory tone
- conciliatory approach
Word family
Explore
- reconciliation
- de-escalation
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- conciliatoryadjective