Propitiating: meaning, definitions and examples
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propitiating
[ prəˈpɪʃieɪtɪŋ ]
ritualistic appeasement
To propitiate means to win or regain the favor of someone, often a deity or spirit, by performing acts of appeasement. This can involve rituals, offerings, or other gestures designed to show respect and reduce anger or hostility. The term is often used in religious or spiritual contexts where individuals seek to soothe a higher power's displeasure. Propitiation is typically considered a reaction to a sense of guilt or fear, prompting individuals to seek reconciliation or goodwill.
Synonyms
appease, calm, mollify, placate, soothe.
Examples of usage
- They sought to propitiate the angry gods with offerings.
- The tribe engaged in elaborate ceremonies for propitiation.
- Her kind actions were seen as a way of propitiating her critics.
Translations
Translations of the word "propitiating" in other languages:
🇵🇹 propiciando
🇮🇳 प्रसन्न करना
🇩🇪 beschwichtigend
🇮🇩 merelakan
🇺🇦 умиротворення
🇵🇱 łagodzący
🇯🇵 和解する
🇫🇷 apaisant
🇪🇸 propiciando
🇹🇷 yatıştırma
🇰🇷 달래는
🇸🇦 توفيق
🇨🇿 usmiřující
🇸🇰 zmierujúci
🇨🇳 安抚的
🇸🇮 pomirjujoč
🇮🇸 sáttfærandi
🇰🇿 жұбататын
🇬🇪 შერიგება
🇦🇿 sülh yaradan
🇲🇽 apaciguando
Etymology
The word 'propitiate' comes from the Latin 'propitiari', which means 'to make favorably inclined' or 'to appease'. It is derived from 'propitius', meaning 'favorable' or 'gracious'. The concept of propitiation has roots in ancient religious practices where offerings and rites were performed to appease gods thought to be angry or vengeful. The term has evolved over centuries, becoming more associated with moral and ethical contexts in which one seeks to regain favor or forgiveness after wrongdoing. In modern usage, propitiation can reflect the human desire to reconcile relationships, both with the divine and among people.