propitiatory

[ pruh-pish-ee-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. serving or intended to propitiate.
2. making propitiation; conciliatory.

noun

1. mercy seat.

propitiatory

/ prəˈpɪʃɪətərɪ /

adjective

1. designed or intended to propitiate; conciliatory; expiatory

noun

1. the mercy seat

Derived Forms

• proˈpitiatorily, adverb

Other Words From

• pro·piti·a·tori·ly adverb
• unpro·piti·a·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of propitiatory¹

1275–1325; (noun) Middle English propiciatori the mercy seat < Late Latin propitiātōrium ( propitiate, -tory ² ); (adj.) < Late Latin propitiātōrius ( -tory ¹ )

Example Sentences

I was quite sure, on the contrary, that they were intended as a propitiatory offering.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor is it solely to human beings that dogs use such propitiatory actions.

From Project Gutenberg

All that particularly stood out was that the propitiatory offering would have to be some cherished enjoyment.

From Project Gutenberg

We may note here the euphemistic tendency to call powerful spirits by propitiatory names.

From Project Gutenberg

The propitiatory formulas most in vogue are still such as carry or imply an invidious comparison.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conciliatory
• contrite
• regretful
• remorseful
• repentant
• sorry