Placate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
placate
[หpleษช.keษชt ]
Definitions
in a conflict situation
To make someone less angry or hostile by giving in to their demands or grievances. It involves soothing or calming someone's emotions in order to restore peace or reduce tension.
Synonyms
appease, conciliate, pacify, soothe.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| placate |
Use when trying to calm someone's anger or agitation, often temporarily. It often implies doing something to make someone less upset, like offering a compromise.
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| appease |
When someone is trying to satisfy the demands or needs of another, often to avoid conflict. This word can sometimes imply giving in too easily.
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| pacify |
When you want to quiet someone down or make things peaceful, especially after an upheaval or agitation. Like 'placate,' it often has a temporary effect.
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| soothe |
Used in situations where you want to calm someone or relieve their pain and discomfort. This term often implies a more gentle or comforting action.
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| conciliate |
Used when attempting to bring two opposing sides to an agreement or harmony. It suggests resolving differences through negotiation.
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Examples of usage
- His boss tried to placate him by offering a pay raise.
- She placated the upset customer by offering a refund.
- The government attempted to placate the protesters by promising reforms.
in a personal relationship
To satisfy someone by making them less angry or upset. It involves trying to please or pacify someone in order to maintain harmony or avoid conflict.
Synonyms
assuage, calm, mollify, reassure.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| placate |
Used when trying to make someone less angry or hostile by giving them something they want or by doing something to please them.
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| calm |
Used when trying to soothe someone or something to a more peaceful or relaxed state.
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| mollify |
Used in situations where someone is trying to reduce the severity of someone's anger or disappointment. Often implies a more strategic or deliberate effort to soften feelings.
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| assuage |
Used when trying to relieve or ease an unpleasant feeling or situation, often tied to comforting someone emotionally.
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| reassure |
Used when trying to remove someone's doubts or fears by confirming that everything is okay, safe, or true.
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Examples of usage
- He tried to placate his girlfriend by apologizing and buying her flowers.
- She placated her friend by listening to her concerns and offering support.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Used in conflict resolution, placating can help reduce tension and lead to better communication.
- Psychologists warn that over-placating can sometimes enable negative behaviors instead of resolving issues.
- Understanding emotional triggers is essential when trying to placate someone effectively.
Literature
- The concept often appears in stories where characters try to appease an angry figure, highlighting themes of power dynamics.
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters frequently attempt to placate authority figures to avoid conflict.
- Modern novels explore the emotional complexities behind placation, showing that it can sometimes lead to deeper conflicts.
Pop Culture
- In movies, protagonists often engage in placating dialogues to diffuse tense situations, particularly in dramas or thrillers.
- Social media influencers sometimes placate their followers by addressing controversies to maintain their popularity.
- TV shows often depict characters placating their friends in comedic ways, using humor to soften the moment.
Conflict Resolution
- Techniques to placate include active listening, empathy, and offering compromises.
- In negotiations, finding common ground often involves placating the opposing side's concerns.
- Some professionals, like mediators, specialize in placating parties to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Origin of 'placate'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Latin word 'placare', meaning 'to calm' or 'to soothe'.
- The word entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century.
- It has retained its calming meaning throughout its history.
The word 'placate' comes from the Latin word 'placatus', which means 'calmed' or 'appeased'. It entered the English language in the late 17th century. The concept of placating others has been present in various cultures throughout history, often as a means to avoid conflict or restore peace.