What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
placation
Example
The manager tried placating the angry customer by offering a discount. [placating: gerund or present participle]
Example
He hoped his apology would be enough to placate her and make amends. [placate: verb]
propitiation
Example
The tribe performed a propitiation ceremony to ensure a bountiful harvest. [propitiation: noun]
Example
He believed that only through propitiation could he be forgiven for his sins. [propitiation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Placation is more commonly used than propitiation in everyday language. Placation is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while propitiation is less common and is mostly used in religious or spiritual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between placation and propitiation?
Propitiation is typically associated with a formal or religious tone, while placation is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
