appease

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "appease" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when discussing ways to make someone feel better or when discussing a situation where you are trying to make someone feel satisfied and calm. Example sentence: The salesman attempted to appease his customers with a discount on their purchase.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But whether that will be enough to appease Cameron's backbenchers is doubtful.

The Guardian

Not only are they fronted by Phillip Schofield rather than Norton, but, while the televised Bafta ceremony suffers from existing not to please the audience but to appease the industry, the BSAs, as they are forlornly hoping to become colloquially known, have the even bigger problem of being established to soothe the feelings of one part of television in relation to another.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He was rather too eager to shoot on sight than appease the tribesmen, killing seven and drawing mild admonishment from the colonial authorities.

The Guardian

But with the number of attacks soaring, the diplomatic achievements have not been enough to appease Ghani's critics.

The Guardian

It places people in difficult positions: they must forfeit their personal convictions and desires in order to appease society or choose to defy the status quo and unrepentantly be themselves at the risk of being misjudged and even mistreated.

The Guardian - Opinion

But as we now know, it wasn't enough to appease Reckless, who went on to become the second Conservative MP to defect to Nigel Farage's Ukip.

The Guardian

His opponents say he should give them the chance now, adding that after forming the coalition with the Lib Dems, he shelved plans to take back powers over employment and social policy from Brussels in order to appease Nick Clegg's party.

The Guardian

Eventually, Charles Powell, Thatcher's foreign policy adviser, devised a masterly solution to appease the Japanese: "The two roses are different in appearance, but if an error has been made, the prime minister very much hopes that it can be satisfactorily and easily resolved.

The Guardian

Brown must already be regretting the rush to another sort of regulation, the audit of MPs' expenses under Sir Thomas Legg, designed to appease public sentiment and show political leadership.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why I do this, except to appease the fates, I had no idea, until now: a very long time ago, gods lived in trees.

The Guardian

But the hastily drawn-up remit seems to have been tailored to appease popular outrage, without adequate legal basis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully when choosing "appease". It can sometimes imply a degree of weakness or compromise, so ensure it aligns with your intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "appease" excessively in situations where it suggests a surrender of principles or values. It can imply a lack of integrity if overused to describe actions taken to avoid conflict.

Linguistic Context

The verb "appease" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It signifies the act of pacifying, satisfying, or calming someone or something, often to prevent conflict or maintain peace. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "appease" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of pacifying or satisfying someone, often by making concessions. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for written English. Its common usage spans various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings, highlighting its relevance in discussions about conflict resolution and maintaining stability. While "appease" is generally acceptable, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding implications of compromising core principles. Alternatives like "pacify" and "placate" can offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Understanding its implications and choosing the right context ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pacify

Direct synonym; implies soothing or calming someone who is agitated.

placate

Similar to pacify, but often involves making concessions to restore peace.

mollify

Means to soften or reduce the anger or hostility of someone.

propitiate

To win or regain the favor of a god, spirit, or person by doing something that pleases them.

conciliate

To stop someone from being angry; placate.

soothe

Implies gently calming or relieving distress.

satisfy

To fulfill the desires, needs, or demands of someone.

win over

To gain the support or approval of someone, often through persuasion or charm.

reconcile

To restore friendly relations between people or groups.

ease tensions

Focuses on reducing strain or conflict in a situation or relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "appease" in a sentence?

You can use "appease" to describe actions taken to calm or satisfy someone, often by making concessions. For example, "The government tried to appease the public with tax cuts."

What words are similar to "appease"?

Alternatives to "appease" include "pacify", "placate", and "mollify", each carrying a slightly different nuance of calming or satisfying someone.

Is it better to "appease" or to negotiate?

Whether to "appease" or negotiate depends on the situation. "Appeasing" might be a short-term solution to calm tensions, while negotiation aims for a mutually beneficial agreement.

When is it not appropriate to use "appease"?

It is not appropriate to use "appease" when it suggests compromising on core values or principles to satisfy unreasonable demands. In such cases, standing firm might be a better approach.