Which word means 'to conciliate; to appease'?

• A. Placate
• B. Pragmatic
• C. Propriety
• D. Propitiate

Answer: (D)

Propitiate is the exact fit for “to conciliate; to appease.” It means to win or regain someone’s goodwill by doing something that pleases them, often in a way that addresses their anger or offense. This makes it a stronger, more formal way to describe turning someone’s disposition toward forgiveness or favor, sometimes with a gesture or concession.

Placate also means to soothe or calm someone, but it’s a bit weaker in tone and emphasizes reducing anger in the moment rather than actively winning long‑term goodwill. Pragmatic means practical and focused on making decisions based on practicality, not appeasement. Propriety refers to proper behavior or decorum, not appeasing someone.

So, propitiate best captures the sense of conciliation and appeasement in the given meaning. Example: a diplomat might propitiate a hostile party by offering concessions to win their favor.