Words / C1

pr-uh-PISH-ee-ayt/prəˈpɪʃieɪt/

To propitiate is to win back someone’s favour, often with a gift or concession: propitiate the inspector, propitiate a board. Calm (already in the dictionary) is everyday; a wreath will not move a cap.

Meaning

To win back someone’s favour, often by a gift or concession (from calm, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “A wreath will not propitiate 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

Appease; win back favour. Everyday: calm (already in the dictionary). A wreath ≠ a cap.

Near in meaning

appease, placate, mollify

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