What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pacify
Example
The mother tried to pacify her crying baby by giving him a toy. [pacify: verb]
Example
The police were called to pacify the protesters and prevent violence. [pacify: verb]
soothe
Example
The nurse used a warm compress to soothe the patient's sore muscles. [soothe: verb]
Example
The soft music helped to soothe the baby to sleep. [soothe: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Soothe is more commonly used than pacify in everyday language. Soothe is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pacify is less common and often used in specific situations where there is conflict or tension.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pacify and soothe?
Both pacify and soothe are formal words that can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context. However, pacify may have a more serious or urgent connotation, while soothe may have a more gentle or comforting connotation.
