Word
conciliatory
Phoneticscon·cil·ia·to·ry
US/kənˈsɪˌɫiəˌtɔɹi/
UK/kənsˈɪlɪətəɹˌi/
Definition
adj. describing something you say or do to show you want to end an argument. It is a way of being friendly or peaceful after a disagreement.
adj. intended or likely to placate or pacify. Often describes gestures, remarks, or tones used to reconcile differences or reduce hostility.
Examples
“He made a conciliatory gesture by offering to pay for the meal.”
“After weeks of heated debate, the manager took a conciliatory tone to help the team reach a compromise.”
“The diplomat’s conciliatory remarks were carefully crafted to acknowledge the opposition's grievances without conceding the government's primary legal position.”
Examples
simple
“He made a conciliatory gesture by offering to pay for the meal.”
contextual
“After weeks of heated debate, the manager took a conciliatory tone to help the team reach a compromise.”
complex
“The diplomat’s conciliatory remarks were carefully crafted to acknowledge the opposition's grievances without conceding the government's primary legal position.”
Usage
Often used to modify nouns like 'tone', 'gesture', 'approach', or 'remark'.
Real-World Examples
“He was hard when necessary, but always ready with a grin and a conciliatory word.” “Yet that conciliatory tone stood in contrast to the tension that had gripped the race just days earlier, after a relatively quiet run-up to the August 13 vote.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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