Dictionary

propitiative en · ADJ

Pronunciation

• /pɹəˈpɪʃətɪv/

Etymology

From propitiate + -ive.

Meanings

1. Serving to, or intended to, propitiate; propitiatory, reconciliatory
   • 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. 1908, Nathaniel Southgate Shaler, Domesticated Animals:
   • The missive from Arthur was a short but complete and propitiative acknowledgment of his error and fraility. 1902, George Washington Cable, Bylow Hill:
   • 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." 1914, George W. Cable, Gideon's Band:

Forms

Deriveds

unpropitiative