propitiate

/ˌpɹəˈpɪʃieɪt/

Group 34Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(verb)
To win or regain the favor of; to appease
GRE

Example in Context

The regime attempted to propitiate the opposition with minor concessions that fell far short of the fundamental reforms being demanded.

Etymology

To make something favorable again, especially through appeasement.

  • propitius (Latin) — favorable

Memory Aid

🍽️Sounds like “property eat

To PROPITIATE my landlord, I had to PROPERTY EAT a whole pizza to win back his favor!

Visual Association

🙏A person bowing and offering gifts to a deity, trying to regain favor and avoid wrath.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “propitiate” mean on the GRE?

propitiate (verb) means “To win or regain the favor of; to appease”. The regime attempted to propitiate the opposition with minor concessions that fell far short of the fundamental reforms being demanded.

How to remember “propitiate” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “propitiate” sounds like “property eat”. To PROPITIATE my landlord, I had to PROPERTY EAT a whole pizza to win back his favor!