conciliation

IPA/kənsˌɪlɪˈeɪʃən/
KK[kənsˌɪliˈeʃən]IPA/kənsˌɪliːˈeɪʃən/

conciliation — noun

1. the work of bringing a quarrel or dispute to a peaceful close, usually through t

1.nounC1
Definition

the work of bringing a quarrel or dispute to a peaceful close, usually through talks that allow both sides to give up some of their demands

Example

Soraya offered a quiet gesture of conciliation by inviting her former business partner to lunch.

gesture of conciliation (common collocation)

The mayor called for conciliation between the striking nurses and the hospital board.

conciliation between [two parties]

Common collocations
  • gesture of conciliation
  • act of conciliation
  • spirit of conciliation
  • conciliation services
  • labour conciliation
  • offer conciliation
Synonyms
  • mediation

    Stresses the role of a neutral third party; more formal procedurally

  • reconciliation

    Focuses on the restored relationship after the dispute ends, not the process of ending it

  • appeasement

    Often carries a negative connotation of giving in too easily, especially in politics

Antonyms
  • provocation

    Action that stirs up anger or conflict instead of calming it

  • escalation

    Making a dispute worse rather than settling it

Grammar Patterns

conciliation between [two parties]

act of conciliation

gesture of conciliation

Usage Note

Often appears in industrial-relations, legal, and political contexts. Subject of 'conciliation' is typically a neutral third party (mediator, board, government) helping two sides find common ground.

Common Mistakes

After the small misunderstanding, we needed conciliation over coffee.
After the small misunderstanding, we needed a chat over coffee.
'conciliation' implies a serious dispute, not a minor everyday disagreement.
He showed conciliation to his angry boss by working overtime.
He tried to appease his angry boss by working overtime.
'conciliation' is typically a noun about the process itself, not a quality one person shows.

conciliation — verb

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These four words all describe ways of dealing with conflict, but they sit at different points in the process. 'Conciliation' names the active work of bringing two unhappy parties to a peaceful settlement, often through a neutral third party. 'Mediation' overlaps heavily but stresses the procedural role of that third party — a mediator runs the meetings and helps both sides talk. 'Reconciliation' shifts focus to the result: a restored friendly relationship after the conflict is over. 'Appeasement' carries the most baggage, often suggesting giving in to unreasonable demands to avoid trouble, especially in political writing. So a labour board offers conciliation services; a trained professional provides mediation; two estranged siblings eventually achieve reconciliation; and a weak leader is sometimes accused of appeasement when they cave in to threats.

conciliation ↗mediation ↗reconciliation ↗appeasement

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • gesture of conciliation
  • spirit of conciliation
  • act of conciliation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'conciliare', meaning to bring together or unite in feeling, built from 'con-' (together) and a root tied to 'concilium' (a gathering or council). The word entered English in the late sixteenth century through French, first in the sense of winning someone's goodwill, and later took on its modern meaning of settling a dispute between two parties.