Definition
To win or regain the favor of someone by doing something that pleases them; to appease or pacify someone by making concessions.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of speech
Verb
Synonyms
Appease, conciliate, mollify, pacify, satisfy, calm, soothe
Antonyms
Antagonize, provoke, aggravate, annoy, irk
Example sentences
- He tried to propitiate his angry boss by bringing him a cup of coffee.
- The CEO made a large donation to charity to propitiate the public after the company’s scandal.
- She cooked her husband’s favorite meal to propitiate him after an argument.
- The governor promised to propitiate the demands of the protesters.
Usage
The word “propitiate” is often used to describe efforts to appease or placate someone who is angry or upset. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as personal relationships, business dealings, or political negotiations. The word is derived from the Latin “propitiare,” meaning “to render favorable,” and is often used in a religious or spiritual context, such as propitiating the gods or goddesses in ancient cultures.
The verb “propitiate” can be used with a variety of prefixes and suffixes to create related words. For example, “propitiation” refers to the act of propitiating or appeasing someone, while “propitiatory” describes something that is meant to propitiate or appease. The prefix “pro-” means “forward,” so the word “propitiate” can be interpreted as “making something favorable go forward,” or “moving towards a more favorable outcome."
Overall, “propitiate” is a useful word to describe efforts to appease or pacify someone in a variety of contexts. It implies a willingness to make concessions or do something to win favor with someone who may be angry or upset, and can be used in both personal and professional settings
