propitiate
pruh-PISH-ee-ayt
/prəˈpɪʃieɪt/
To win or regain the favor of a god, spirit, or person by doing something that pleases them.
Carries a strong sense of ritual or sacrifice. It’s not just about calming someone; it’s about making them 'pro-you' (favorable).
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'propitiare', meaning to render favorable. It shares a root with 'propitious'. In ancient times, it was all about keeping the gods on your side so the crops would grow.
Word relationships
- appease: Appease is more political; propitiate is more religious or spiritual.
- offend: Offend means to cause displeasure, especially to a higher power or authority.
Commonly confused with
- appropriate: Appropriate means to take something for one's own use; propitiate is to win favor.
Word family
- propitiation (noun): The act of winning favor.
- propitious (adjective): Giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable.
Collocations
- propitiate the gods
- propitiate an angry deity
- propitiatory offerings
Example sentences
- "The pagans thought to propitiate the gods by sacrifice." Ancient history/mythology.
Memory hook
Propitiate: You want the 'Pro' (god) to be 'Pity-ate' (have pity) on you. Win favor with the 'Pro' (God).
When not to use
Too heavy for everyday use. Don't use it for 'calming down' a friend unless you are being very dramatic.
Fun facts
- The word 'propitious' is much more common today than 'propitiate', often used to describe 'propitious timing'.
Related words
Explore more words
conciliate, placate, expiate, mollify, expiation, conciliation
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