propitiate etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: propitiāre, "to make favorable, appease"
  • Proto-Indo-European: *pre-kʷep-, "to make friendly"

Meaning and Origin:

Propitiate means to gain the favor or goodwill of someone or something, typically through acts of appeasement or conciliation. Historically, the term had a specific religious connotation, referring to the actions taken to pacify or appease a deity or spirits.

The origin of "propitiate" lies in the Proto-Indo-European root *pre-kʷep-, which means "to make friendly." This root is also found in other words related to appeasement and favor, such as "propitious" (favorable) and "cupidity" (excessive desire).

In ancient Rome, the term "propitiāre" was used to describe the rituals and sacrifices performed to gain the favor of gods or spirits. These rituals typically involved offerings, prayers, and libations. Over time, the meaning of "propitiate" expanded to include any act of appeasement or conciliation, regardless of its religious context.

Usage in Modern English:

In modern English, "propitiate" is still used to convey the idea of gaining favor or goodwill, but it is no longer confined to religious contexts. It can be used in a wide range of situations, such as:

  • Diplomacy: Appeasing a hostile nation or resolving a conflict
  • Business: Gaining the favor of customers or investors
  • Personal relationships: Making amends after a disagreement or wrongdoing

propitiate relate terms

  • propitiation

    Etymology of Propitiation The word propitiation is derived from the Latin verb prop

  • appease

    Etymology of Appease The word appease comes from the Old French word apaisier whic

  • propitiatory

    Etymology Propitiatory is derived from the Latin word propitius which means favorabl

  • expiation

    Etymology Latin expiatio expiationis expiation atonement Medieval Latin expiati

  • hilarity

    Etymology The word hilarity comes from the Latin word hilaris meaning cheerful or

  • please

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words and their meaning

  • conciliate

    Etymology Latin conciliare to call together reconcile Con together calare to

  • settle

    Etymology Middle English settelen from Old English setlan from Proto Germanic satli

  • reconcile

    Etymology is the study of the origin of words and their historical and linguistic developm

  • make up

    Etymology Make Old English macian meaning to form create or produce Up Old Eng

  • folly

    Etymology The word folly is derived from the Old French word folie which itself is d