conciliate

[ kuhn-sil-ee-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, con·cil·i·at·ed, con·cil·i·at·ing.

1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over:

   to conciliate an angry competitor.

2. to win or gain (goodwill, regard, or favor).
3. to make compatible; reconcile.

verb (used without object)

, con·cil·i·at·ed, con·cil·i·at·ing.

1. to become agreeable or reconciled:

   Efforts to conciliate in the dispute proved fruitless.

conciliate

/ kənˈsɪlɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to overcome the hostility of; placate; win over
2. to win or gain (favour, regard, etc), esp by making friendly overtures
3. archaic.
   to make compatible; reconcile

Derived Forms

• conˈciliable, adjective
• conˈciliˌator, noun

Other Words From

• con·cil·i·a·ble [k, uh, n-, sil, -ee-, uh, -b, uh, l], adjective
• con·cili·ating·ly adverb
• con·cili·ation noun
• noncon·cili·ating adjective
• procon·cili·ation adjective
• uncon·cili·a·ble adjective
• uncon·cili·ated adjective
• uncon·cili·ating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conciliate¹

1540–50; < Latin conciliātus (past participle of conciliāre to bring together, unite, equivalent to concili ( um ) council + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of conciliate¹

C16: from Latin conciliāre to bring together, from concilium council

Synonym Study

See appease.

Example Sentences

He urged, that it would flatter the peculiarities of her character, and might conciliate her good offices for his liberty.

From Project Gutenberg

She begged her not to read too late, and went out, promising to conciliate the offended Mrs. Hofer.

From Project Gutenberg

William omitted nothing that a brother could have done to soothe and conciliate a brother.

From Project Gutenberg

He spoke as if he would conciliate the ghastly shades that moved restlessly up and down, when suddenlySanders, dont be a fool!

From Project Gutenberg

The King had probably hoped that, by calling them to his councils, he should conciliate the opposition.

From Project Gutenberg