propitiative

English

Etymology

propitiate +‎ -ive

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /pɹəˈpɪʃətɪv/
• Rhymes: -ɪʃətɪv

Adjective

propitiative (comparative more propitiative, superlative most propitiative)

1. Serving to, or intended to, propitiate; propitiatory, reconciliatory
   • 1902, George Washington Cable, Bylow Hill‎^[1]:

     The missive from Arthur was a short but complete and propitiative acknowledgment of his error and fraility.

   • 1908, Nathaniel Southgate Shaler, Domesticated Animals‎^[2]:

     A friendly word will bring him to my hand; but his behavior is never effusive, as it would be if he had found his rightful owner, but mildly propitiative and with a touch of sadness.

   • 1914, George W. Cable, Gideon's Band‎^[3]:

     The old commodore's eyes flashed to retort, but the senator forced a propitiative smile, adding: "However, let that pass just now, here's something else."