What does placable mean?
Placable means easy to calm, pacify, or reconcile. It describes a person who does not remain driven by anger and who can be persuaded to respond reasonably after an argument, insult, or disagreement. The word often suggests a broader willingness to forgive and make peace, rather than merely a momentary desire to stop fighting. A person may be described as placable, or said to remain placable, when they listen to an explanation or respond to provocation without becoming hostile. In modern usage, placable is relatively formal and less common than peaceful, patient, or willing to apologize. It is also distinct from placid: a placable person can be soothed or persuaded, while a placid person is already calm and serene. Understanding this difference helps convey both emotional flexibility and composure.
adjectiveEasy to calm or pacify; willing to forgive or be reconciled with others.
- Easy to calm, pacify, or reconcile; willing to forgive.
"Despite his anger, he remained placable and listened carefully to her explanation."
"The negotiator was chosen because of his placable temperament and ability to defuse tense discussions."
"She was hurt by the criticism but remained placable, offering to discuss the issue calmly."
Placable is more than simply peaceful: it describes someone whose anger can be soothed and whose willingness to move past conflict is part of their character.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does placable come from?
Placable derives from the Latin placare, meaning “to appease” or “to calm.” The adjective entered English in the late sixteenth century, when it was used to describe a person who was easy to pacify. It belongs to a family including placate and placation, while placid and placidity come from the related Latin placidus, meaning “calm” or “peaceful.”
Related word forms
How placable is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. It usually describes a person's temperament or conduct and carries a somewhat positive connotation of patience and willingness to make peace.
Easily confused with placable
A placable person is easy to pacify or reconcile, whereas a placid person is calm, serene, and untroubled.