conciliate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
conciliate Word Meanings
- to make (someone) less angry or more friendly
- to appease or gain goodwill
- to mediate a dispute
conciliate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
conciliate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kənˈsɪl.i.eɪt/
US
/kənˈsɪl.i.eɪt/
conciliate Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'con-' (together) + 'ciliare' (to call). Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: Imagine a diplomat joining two opposing sides together, calling them to gather for peace, fostering an atmosphere of reconciliation.
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
Conciliate means to make someone less angry or to restore friendly relations by gentle persuasion, compromise, and respectful dialogue. It can refer to calming an upset person, appeasing a group, or mediating a dispute between others. In English, the sense often centers on repairing trust through communication, rather than simply soothing emotions. The word carries a proactive, constructive tone: you seek common ground, acknowledge hurt, and propose steps that both sides can accept. In legal or organizational settings, conciliation implies a formal process of mediation led by a neutral party. Learners should watch for formal versus colloquial contexts and avoid sounding insincere in casual talk.
Usage Reminders
- - Use conciliate for active mediation and trust-building, not just comforting.
- - Differentiate conciliate from appease, pacify, or placate.
- - Pair conciliate with negotiation or discussion, not with force.
- - Watch formality: formal contexts call for careful, neutral language.
- - Practice with real mediation scenarios to sound natural.
Common Misconceptions
- It means simply to comfort someone rather than resolve a dispute.
- Conciliate is the same as appease or placate.
- It is used only in formal, legal contexts.
- You always make concessions you don’t mean.
- It implies surrender without a plan for improvement.
Thinking Differences
In English, conciliate is a proactive mediation term that emphasizes trust-building and negotiation across parties, not merely comforting someone. Learners often mix it with soothe or placate, especially in casual talk.
Learning Tips
- Study common collocations (conciliate with, conciliate between).
- Compare with related verbs: mediate, negotiate, appease.
- Practice in role-plays: mediator, parties in conflict, facilitator.
- Note formal contexts: use measured, respectful language.
- Watch tone: avoid sounding manipulative; emphasize agreement-building.
- Read sample court or HR mediation cases to see usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'conciliate'?
A.To ignore and dismiss
B.To criticize severely
C.To calm and make peace
D.To confuse and mislead
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'conciliate' correctly?
A.The mediator was able to conciliate the two parties after a long discussion.
B.They tried to conciliate the argument by shouting louder.
C.She wanted to conciliate her busy schedule by doing less work.
D.He vowed to conciliate himself with plenty of ice cream.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'conciliate'?
A.Dissuade
B.Degrade
C.Pacify
D.Dispute
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'conciliate'?
A.Unite
B.Calm
C.Aggravate
D.Soothe
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a scenario where someone might need to make peace between conflicting individuals?
A.When they argue about the project, a mediator was called in to help resolve the disagreement.
B.His decision to fight only made things worse instead of helping them resolve their issues.
C.In a meeting, they discussed how to throw a party next week for fun.
D.After their argument, she decided to apologize to soothe the tension.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App