Words / C1

pl-uh-KAYT/pləˈkeɪt/

To placate is to make someone less angry or hostile, often by conceding something: placate the inspector, placate a complaint. Calm (already in the dictionary) is everyday; a wreath will not move a cap.

Meaning

To make someone less angry or hostile, often by conceding something (from calm, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “A wreath will not placate the inspector; cite the occupancy cap.”
• “Calm is already in this course. Appease is the close twin. A wreath is ceremony. A number on a certificate is the rule. Cite the number; then hang the wreath if the inspector still allows the sitting.”

Good to know

Soften someone’s anger. Everyday: calm (already in the dictionary). A wreath ≠ a cap.

Near in meaning

appease, mollify, pacify

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