propitiatory

[ pruh-pish-ee-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. serving or intended to propitiate.
2. making propitiation; conciliatory.

noun

1. mercy seat.

propitiatory

/ prəˈpɪʃɪətərɪ /

adjective

1. designed or intended to propitiate; conciliatory; expiatory

noun

1. the mercy seat

Derived Forms

• proˈpitiatorily, adverb

Other Words From

• pro·piti·a·tori·ly adverb
• unpro·piti·a·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propitiatory¹

1275–1325; (noun) Middle English propiciatori the mercy seat < Late Latin propitiātōrium ( propitiate, -tory ² ); (adj.) < Late Latin propitiātōrius ( -tory ¹ )

Example Sentences

We see Agamemnon being advised by spin doctors on how to sacrifice his young daughter, Iphigenia, as a propitiatory offering to the gods, with a minimum of physical mess and nasty public blowback.

From New York Times

Jinni uses a propitiatory genome that goes beyond genre and stars to sort movies and TV shows by elements like plot, style and mood.

From Forbes

"This is Miss Hellner," said Aunt Cuckoo, timorously offering the introduction in the manner of a propitiatory sacrifice.

From Project Gutenberg

I doubt whether a real distinction can be made between propitiatory and expiatory sacrifices.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Holy Scriptures, this animal is the chosen symbol of purity and the gentler virtues, the victim of propitiatory sacrifices, and the type of redemption to fallen man.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conciliatory
• contrite
• regretful
• remorseful
• repentant
• sorry