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reconcile

REK-uhn-sahyl /ˈrɛkənsaɪl/

verbB2SATACTTOEFLIELTS

general

To restore friendly relations between individuals or groups; to make compatible.

Reconcile can refer to repairing a relationship, or to making two seemingly contradictory facts or ideas fit together.

The story behind the word. Reconcile comes from the Latin 'reconciliare'. The root 'concilium' means an assembly or council. To reconcile is to bring people back into the same room, sitting together at the same council table in peace.

Word relationships

harmonize: Harmonize emphasizes making different elements work together beautifully without necessarily resolving a past fight.
resolve: Resolve means to find a solution to a problem, whereas reconcile focuses on restoring the relationship.

estrange: Estrange means to cause someone to be no longer close or affectionate to a friend or family member.
alienate: Alienate means to cause someone to feel isolated or estranged.

Commonly confused with

conciliate: Conciliate means to placate or win over an angry person; reconcile means to restore a mutual relationship of trust.

Word family

reconciliation (noun): The restoration of friendly relations.

Collocations

reconcile differences
reconcile accounts
attempt to reconcile

Example sentences

"He could not reconcile himself to the idea of her marrying Mr. Darcy." A classic literary reference to personal relationships.
"It was difficult to reconcile his love of nature with his job at the oil refinery." Reconciling two opposing concepts.

Memory hook

Think of 're-council'. You are bringing people back to the council table to talk things out. Reconcile = Re-council.

When not to use

Do not use when simply agreeing on a price; use 'negotiate' or 'settle'.

Fun facts

In accounting, 'reconciling' an account means making sure the bank statement and your personal records match up perfectly—bringing them into 'harmony'.