Conciliate: meaning, definitions and examples

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conciliate

 

[kənˈsɪlɪeɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in a conflict resolution

To conciliate means to make peace between two people or groups who are in disagreement. It involves finding common ground and helping each party understand the other's perspective. Conciliation often requires patience, empathy, and good communication skills.

Synonyms

mediate, pacify, reconcile.

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Word Description / Examples
conciliate

Useful in formal situations where someone is trying to gain the favor or reduce the anger of someone else, especially in diplomatic, business, or legal contexts.

  • The manager attempted to conciliate the disgruntled employees by promising to address their concerns.
  • The diplomat conciliated the warring factions through a series of strategic compromises.
reconcile

Used when restoring friendly relations between people or making ideas or facts consistent with each other. Common in personal relationships, but also in academic or analytical contexts.

  • After years of estrangement, the siblings finally reconciled.
  • The historian attempted to reconcile the different accounts of the event.
mediate

Applicable in situations where someone is acting as an intermediary to help resolve a dispute or conflict between two or more parties. Common in legal, workplace, or familial disputes.

  • She was asked to mediate the conflict between the two departments.
  • A professional mediator was brought in to negotiate the peace agreement.
pacify

Usually implies calming someone who is angry, upset, or agitated. Can be used in both personal and broader social contexts, but may carry a slight negative connotation if seen as placating.

  • The mother pacified the crying baby with a bottle.
  • The government introduced policies to pacify the protesting citizens.

Examples of usage

  • She tried to conciliate the two friends who had a falling out.
  • The mediator worked hard to conciliate the opposing parties and reach a compromise.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'conciliatus', meaning 'to bring together' or 'to win over'.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'together', while 'ciliatus' relates to 'to call'. This highlights the idea of bringing people together through discussion.

Psychology

  • In conflict resolution, the ability to conciliate can reduce stress levels for all parties involved.
  • Research shows that conciliatory behaviors can lead to better overall wellbeing and improved interpersonal relationships.
  • Conciliation is often a vital skill in mediation settings, helping individuals navigate through disagreements.

Literature

  • In literature, themes of conciliation often appear in stories where characters must set aside their differences to achieve a common goal.
  • Shakespeare's plays frequently involve conciliation, such as in 'The Tempest' where characters must reconcile their past grievances.
  • Many stories use reconciliation as a key turning point, demonstrating the importance of harmony and understanding.

Global Culture

  • Different cultures approach conciliation in unique ways, often looking to rituals or ceremonies to restore peace.
  • In some indigenous cultures, storytelling is a method for conciliation, allowing different parties to share perspectives and heal.
  • International diplomacy often involves conciliation methods, aiming to resolve conflicts peacefully between nations.

History

  • Throughout history, treaties and diplomatic agreements have often focused on the importance of conciliation to maintain peace.
  • The concept of conciliation was pivotal in post-war negotiations, particularly in cases like the Treaty of Versailles after World War I.
  • Historical figures, such as Nelson Mandela, are celebrated for their extraordinary ability to conciliate and unite opposing factions.

Translations

Translations of the word "conciliate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conciliar

🇮🇳 सुलह करना

🇩🇪 versöhnen

🇮🇩 mendamaikan

🇺🇦 примирити

🇵🇱 pogodzić

🇯🇵 和解させる (wakei saseru)

🇫🇷 concilier

🇪🇸 conciliar

🇹🇷 uzlaştırmak

🇰🇷 화해시키다 (hwahaesikida)

🇸🇦 تصالح (tasalih)

🇨🇿 usmířit

🇸🇰 zmieriť

🇨🇳 和解 (héjiě)

🇸🇮 uskladiti

🇮🇸 sáttast

🇰🇿 татуластыру

🇬🇪 შერიგება (sherigeba)

🇦🇿 barışdırmaq

🇲🇽 conciliar

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,781, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.