placate

Pronunciation: PLAY-kayt

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of placate

To soothe or mollify someone’s anger or hostility, often by making concessions or offering something to appease them.

Origin of placate

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: placare

Original meaning: to calm, soothe, or appease

How it evolved: Originally used in Latin to describe calming the gods or spirits, it evolved into broader applications for soothing human anger or hostility.

Derived from the Latin verb 'placare,' meaning 'to calm or soothe,' the word has been used in English since the 17th century to describe actions aimed at easing tension or hostility.

First known use: 17th century

How to Remember placate

Think of 'placate' as placing a calming 'plate' of peace to soothe anger.

Synonyms for placate

Antonyms of placate

placate in a Sentence

  1. The manager tried to placate the disgruntled employees by promising them a bonus at the end of the quarter.
  2. In an effort to placate the angry crowd, the politician offered a heartfelt apology and vowed to make amends.
  3. She brought flowers to placate her friend after their heated argument the previous night.

placate in Literature & Culture

Placate is a staple in diplomatic and political discourse, often used in literature and historical speeches to describe efforts to resolve conflicts or appease opposing parties.

Usage Notes

Placate often implies making concessions or offering something tangible to ease someone's anger, but it can also refer to verbal or emotional efforts to calm someone down. Avoid confusing it with 'pacify,' which may have broader meanings, including quelling physical unrest.

Why placate Matters for GRE & SAT

Placate frequently appears on the GRE to test understanding of nuanced vocabulary related to soothing or calming conflict, especially in contexts requiring a diplomatic or strategic resolution.

Word Family

placation (noun)
The act of making someone less angry or hostile.
placatory (adjective)
Intended to soothe or pacify.
implacable (adjective)
Unable to be placated or soothed; relentless.

Did You Know?

  • The root 'plac-' is also found in words like 'placid' (meaning calm or peaceful) and 'placebo' (literally, 'I shall please').
  • The word is often used in political contexts, where leaders must placate opposing factions to maintain stability.
  • In mythology, ancient rituals were performed to placate gods or spirits to ensure good harvests or favorable outcomes.

Related Words

More Vocabulary Words Starting with P

  • pacify — bring peace to or calm someone down
  • painstaking — Done with or employing great care and thoroughness
  • painstaking — done with careful attention to detail
  • palpable — So intense as to seem almost tangible
  • palpable — tangible, perceptible, or clearly noticeable
  • paltry — of little monetary worth; trivial
  • panacea — a perfect cure for something
  • panache — a stylish and confident manner
  • panel — A small group of people brought together to discuss or decide on something
  • paradigm — A typical example or pattern of something; a model