Mollify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mollify
[ˈmɒlɪfaɪ ]
Definition
to calm
To mollify means to calm someone down or to make someone less angry. It is often used in situations where emotions are running high and there is a need to soothe or pacify someone.
Synonyms
appease, pacify, placate, soothe.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mollify |
Used when you want to calm someone down or make them less angry by giving in to their demands or offering something of value.
|
| soothe |
Used when you want to make someone feel more comfortable and less worried or upset. Applies broadly to emotional and physical contexts.
|
| pacify |
Used to describe calming someone down and making them peaceful, often used with a direct object such as a person or group.
|
| appease |
Implies making concessions to pacify someone, often used in a context where fulfilling a demand is seen as avoiding conflict. Sometimes has a negative connotation.
|
| placate |
Implies calming someone down by making concessions or giving them something they want. Often suggests a temporary or superficial fix.
|
Examples of usage
- She tried to mollify the angry customer by offering a refund.
- The teacher mollified the upset student by listening to his concerns.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often attempt to mollify angry mobs or individuals, reflecting historical themes of conflict resolution.
- Authors like Shakespeare used the concept when characters sought to soothe tensions in their relationships.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that calming practices, such as deep breathing, can help mollify intense emotions, showing a connection between physical states and feelings.
- Therapeutic techniques often focus on strategies to mollify anxiety and stress through mindfulness and relaxation.
Pop Culture
- In many movies, a main character often mollifies a rival or antagonist during a climactic scene, highlighting the importance of resolution.
- Songs about relationships often explore themes of mollifying quarrels to restore harmony.
Origin of 'mollify'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'mollificare', meaning 'to soften or make gentle'.
- It entered the English language in the late 15th century and has been associated with calming emotions ever since.
The word 'mollify' comes from the Latin word 'mollificare', which means 'to soften'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Over time, 'mollify' has come to mean not just to soften physically, but also to soften emotions or attitudes. It is often used in contexts where there is a need to calm someone down or to make a situation less tense.