What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
propitiate
Example
The villagers offered sacrifices to propitiate the gods and ensure a good harvest. [propitiate: verb]
Example
He tried to propitiate his boss by working overtime and completing all his tasks on time. [propitiating: gerund or present participle]
conciliate
Example
The mediator was able to conciliate the two sides and reach a compromise. [conciliate: verb]
Example
She tried to conciliate her neighbor by offering to help with their yard work. [conciliating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conciliate is more commonly used than propitiate in everyday language. Conciliate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while propitiate is less common and may be associated with religious or archaic language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between propitiate and conciliate?
Both propitiate and conciliate can be used in formal or informal contexts, but propitiate may be seen as more formal due to its association with religious or legal language.
