propitiate
What does "propitiate" mean?
To propitiate someone means to take a specific action to soothe their anger or to win their favor, usually when that person is in a position of power or has been offended. The mental image is that of a person offering a gift or performing a conciliatory gesture to "cool down" an upset superior or a deity. This word is quite formal and is often used in contexts involving historical diplomacy, religious rituals, or intense interpersonal conflict. It implies that the person being propitiated has the power to inflict harm or withhold a benefit, and the actor is attempting to restore a favorable relationship through appeasement.
"propitiate" in conversation
Office politics
I think we should offer the client an extra discount to propitiate them after the shipping delay.
I think we should offer the client an extra discount to appease them after the shipping delay.
Good idea, they were furious on the call this morning.
Good idea, they were furious on the call this morning.
Used here to describe smoothing over a professional relationship.
History lecture
The ancient kings often built grand temples to propitiate the gods during times of drought.
The ancient kings often built grand temples to appease the gods during times of drought.
So it was essentially a form of spiritual insurance?
So it was essentially a form of spiritual insurance?
Highlights the traditional use of the word regarding deities.
"propitiate" in a sentence
She brought flowers to propitiate her angry sister.
She brought flowers to appease her angry sister.
The treaty was signed in an attempt to propitiate the invading army.
The treaty was signed in an attempt to appease the invading army.
In ancient myths, rituals were performed to propitiate the fickle forces of nature.
In ancient myths, rituals were performed to appease the fickle forces of nature.
