placative

[ pley-key-tiv, -kuh-, plak-ey-tiv, plak-uh- ]

adjective

Origin of placative

1
First recorded in 1930–35; placate1 + -ive

Words Nearby placative

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use placative in a sentence

  • "We are anxious to reach civilization, Professor," said Bentley, deciding to be placative with the old man.

  • Finally Silas went home defeated, with a last word, half condemnatory, half placative.

    The Copy-Cat and Other Stories | Mary E. Wilkins Freeman
  • The little man's voice was placative; his manner gravely ingratiating.

    Square Deal Sanderson | Charles Alden Seltzer
  • And with a little flurry of placative laughter, she added: "At your age, of course!"

    The Magnificent Ambersons | Booth Tarkington
  • Penrod's answer, like the look he lifted to the impressive stranger, was meek and placative.

    Penrod | Booth Tarkington