appease - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
appease Word Meanings
- to calm someone down
- to satisfy or placate
- to bring peace to
appease Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
appease Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈpiːz/
US
/əˈpiz/
appease Word Etymology
(a) re- (to again) + paix (peace) from Latin 'pacare' meaning to make peace; (b) Originating from Latin through Old French, it reached English in the late 14th century; (c) Imagine a person smoothing out wrinkles on a fabric, symbolizing the act of calming tensions and restoring peace.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Appease means to calm someone down, to satisfy or placate someone, or to bring peace to a situation. It often implies concessions or compromises rather than solving underlying problems, and the act may feel temporary or superficial to the person being appeased. You can appease an angry colleague by listening and offering a small concession, or you can appease a crowd by making promised changes. In diplomacy or politics, appeasement historically referred to agreements intended to prevent conflict; that sense can carry a negative nuance if it seems to delay necessary action. The verb is commonly followed by indirect objects like someone or the crowd and by phrases such as appease the critics.
Usage Reminders
- Calm emotions, not solve root causes
- Concessions may be necessary but not final agreements
- Avoid implying weakness or dishonesty
- Use with critics, crowds, or angry individuals as appropriate
- Check tone; appeasement can sound patronizing in formal writing
- Note: not the same as satisfy or pacify in all contexts
Common Misconceptions
- Appease is not the same as solve; it focuses on emotion, not root causes
- It can feel coercive if used to push an agenda
- Not every concession will satisfy critics
- Appease does not mean weakness; context matters
- Different from pacify in some contexts; check nuance
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: Appease often centers on calming feelings or avoiding immediate conflict through concessions, but it may imply incomplete resolution and can carry a critical tone if overused.
Learning Tips
- Notice collocations: appease the critics, appease the crowd
- Differentiate from pacify and satisfy by context
- Practice with both formal and informal tones
- Record pronunciation: /əˈpiːz/
- Use in negotiation or conflict-scenario role-plays
- Be mindful of negative connotations in politics
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'appease'?
A.To provoke someone
B.To ignore someone's feelings
C.To satisfy or calm someone by giving in to their demands
D.To criticize someone harshly
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct sentence that uses 'appease'.
A.She tried to appease her dog by ignoring it.
B.The teacher spoke softly to appease the upset student.
C.He decided to appease his hunger by skipping breakfast.
D.They hoped to appease the storm by staying indoors.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'appease'?
A.Anger
B.Reject
C.Satisfy
D.Demand
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'appease'?
A.Calm
B.Annoy
C.Nurture
D.Soften
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario involving the word 'appease'?
A.A manager giving a bonus to motivate employees.
B.A parent trying to calm their child during a tantrum.
C.A politician making a promise to gain votes.
D.An artist inviting critiques of their work.
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