Reconciliation: meaning, definitions and examples

Reconciliation is often used when parties who have had a serious disagreement or conflict come to an agreement or restore their relationship. It implies resolving deep-rooted differences and restoring a sense of mutual respect or friendship.

• The reconciliation between the two countries brought hope for lasting peace.
• After years of estrangement, the reconciliation between the siblings was heartwarming.

Conciliation typically refers to the process of mediating between disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement. It is often used in formal or legal contexts and usually involves a neutral third party.

• The company hired an expert to assist in the conciliation of the labor dispute.
• Conciliation efforts prevented a prolonged courtroom battle.

Harmony is used to describe a state of peace, agreement, and mutual understanding among individuals or groups. It emphasizes the smooth and cooperative relationship without necessarily implying a conflict that needed to be resolved.

• The community lived in harmony, with everyone respecting each other’s differences.
• The new policy aims to promote harmony between different departments.

Resolution refers to the act of solving or settling a problem, dispute, or contentious issue. It often implies a clear, decisive end to the conflict or problem, and can be related to both interpersonal and formal contexts.

• The resolution of the conflict was achieved through compromise.
• They sought a resolution to the issue that would satisfy all parties involved.

Again, commonly used for restoring friendly relations or making financial accounts consistent. This can also include religious contexts.

• The reconciliation process was emotional and healing for the community
• Upon reconciliation, all discrepancies were resolved

Commonly used when referring to maintaining stability or equality in different aspects.

• She is excellent at balancing her career and personal life
• Balancing the budget every month is a challenging task

Typically used when discussing coordinating or arranging something in a straight line or having agreement or cooperation among groups.

• The alignment of the tires was checked before the trip
• The team worked hard to ensure alignment in their goals and strategies

Used in situations requiring validation or confirmation of certain information or facts.

• The verification of identity is mandatory for opening a new bank account
• We need a verification code to complete the registration process

Used when two parties come back to peaceful terms after a disagreement or conflict.

• The reconciliation between the two countries marked the end of the war.
• After a long argument, they finally reached a reconciliation.

Often used in a religious or moral context, where someone makes amends for a sin or wrongdoing.

• He sought atonement for his past mistakes by volunteering at the shelter.
• In many religions, atonement is necessary for forgiveness.

Typically involves saving someone from a fault or gaining back one's morality, often used in a religious, personal, or dramatic context.

• His actions over the years were his path to redemption.
• The character's redemption arc added depth to the story.

Utilized when someone pardons another for a mistake or wrongdoing, implying a personal or emotional release.

• She granted him forgiveness after he confessed and apologized.
• Forgiveness is key to healing personal relationships.