What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
assuage
Example
She tried to assuage his fears by explaining the safety measures. [assuage: verb]
Example
The medicine helped to assuage the pain in her knee. [assuage: verb]
pacify
Example
The negotiator was able to pacify both parties and reach a peaceful resolution. [pacify: verb]
Example
The mother tried to pacify her crying baby by rocking him gently. [pacify: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pacify is more commonly used than assuage in everyday language. Pacify is versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while assuage is less common and tends to be used in more specific or formal situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between assuage and pacify?
While assuage is typically associated with a more formal tone, pacify is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.