propitiate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “propitiate” mean?
To win or regain the favour of someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To win or regain the favour of someone; to appease or placate.
To make something favourable or less hostile, often through specific actions, offerings, or concessions. Historically used in religious contexts to refer to appeasing a deity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally formal and low-frequency in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly archaic or literary in both. May evoke historical or religious contexts more readily in British English due to its establishment in traditional texts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely encountered in academic historical/religious texts, classical literature, or high-register political analysis than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “propitiate” in a Sentence
[Subject] propitiates [Direct Object (person/force)][Subject] propitiates [Direct Object] with/by [means]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “propitiate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The priest sought to propitiate the ancient spirits with a libation.
- The minister hoped a policy U-turn would propitiate the rebellious backbenchers.
American English
- The settlers made offerings to propitiate the tribal gods.
- The company issued a refund to propitiate its furious customers.
adverb
British English
- He smiled propitiatorily, hoping to avoid an argument.
- She nodded propitiatorily during the boss's lecture.
American English
- The diplomat spoke propitiatorily to de-escalate the tension.
- He waved propitiatorily, trying to make amends.
adjective
British English
- The propitiatory rites were conducted at dawn.
- He offered a propitiatory gift to smooth things over.
American English
- Her smile was propitiatory, meant to calm his anger.
- They performed a propitiatory ceremony before the voyage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically: 'The CEO made concessions to propitiate the board after the failed merger.'
Academic
Common in religious studies, anthropology, and history: 'Ancient rituals were performed to propitiate chthonic deities.'
Everyday
Virtually never used. A simpler synonym like 'appease' is always preferred.
Technical
Used in specific theological or ethnographic discourse.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “propitiate”
- Incorrect: 'He propitiated *to* the crowd.' (Correct: 'He propitiated the crowd.')
- Confusing 'propitiate' (make favourable) with 'propitiate' with 'propitiate' (to initiate something, which is not a word).
- Misspelling as 'propiciate' or 'propetiate'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal word. You are far more likely to encounter and should use synonyms like 'appease', 'placate', or 'mollify' in everyday communication.
They are close synonyms. 'Propitiate' is more specific and often implies appeasing a powerful, superior, or divine entity with a specific offering or action to gain favour or avert anger. 'Appease' is more general and can apply to calming any person or group, sometimes with a negative connotation of giving in to unreasonable demands.
Yes, the noun is 'propitiation'. The related adjective is 'propitiatory' and the adverb is 'propitiatorily'.
Typically, you propitiate a sentient being capable of being angered or granting favour (e.g., a god, spirit, person, or personified force like 'fate' or 'public opinion'). You would not propitiate an object or a non-sentient concept.
To win or regain the favour of someone.
Propitiate is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
Propitiate: in British English it is pronounced /prəˈpɪʃ.i.eɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /prəˈpɪʃ.i.eɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To pour oil on troubled waters (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PROPItiate' a powerful figure with a PROPer offering to gain favour.
Conceptual Metaphor
PACIFICATION IS A GIFT/TRADE (offering something to buy peace or goodwill).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the meaning of 'propitiate'?