What does reconciliatory mean?
Reconciliatory describes words, actions, and proposals intended to promote agreement, ease hostility, or restore relations after a dispute. The word is especially common in political and diplomatic language, where a speech, gesture, policy, or intermediary may be described as reconciliatory when it seeks to bring opposing parties together. Its connotation is generally positive, emphasizing peace-building and practical compromise rather than force or confrontation. In everyday conversation, it is more formal than terms such as “peaceful” or “friendly,” and it can suggest that reconciliation is being actively attempted. The adjective is related to “reconcile” and “reconciliation,” but it focuses on the conciliatory character of an action or statement rather than on the outcome itself.
adjectiveReconciliatory means intended to bring parties together, restore goodwill, or settle a dispute. It describes words, actions, or proposals that are conciliatory and seek agreement.
- Intended to reconcile parties or restore goodwill after conflict.
- Characterized by a peaceful, conciliatory, or peace-seeking approach.
"The ambassador delivered a reconciliatory message that reopened negotiations between the two governments."
"Both leaders made a reconciliatory public statement after the crisis."
"The committee proposed a reconciliatory settlement rather than further legal action."
A reconciliatory word is designed to lower the temperature: it turns a confrontation into an invitation to negotiate.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reconciliatory come from?
Reconciliatory was formed in the 19th century from the Latin-derived verb “reconcile,” meaning to restore harmony or bring into agreement, together with the suffix “-atory.” The underlying Latin root “concilium,” meaning an assembly or council, is also associated with “council.” The word belongs to a family including “reconciliation” and “reconciler,” all expressing the idea of bringing parties back into agreement.
Related word forms
How reconciliatory is actually used
The adjective is formal and often used in political, diplomatic, legal, and interpersonal contexts. It can imply a deliberate effort to make peace and may be perceived as conciliatory or accommodating.
Easily confused with reconciliatory
Both words describe efforts to promote agreement, but 'reconciliatory' more specifically suggests restoring harmony after conflict or division.