conciliatory gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conciliatory gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an action intended to appease or reconcile differences between parties. Example: "After the heated argument, she made a conciliatory gesture by offering an apology and a peace offering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Amid the crisis, on June 28, President Grover Cleveland and Congress created a national holiday, Labor Day, as a conciliatory gesture toward the American labour movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali made a conciliatory gesture by proposing a temporary nonpolitical cabinet and new elections.

The New York Times

A conciliatory gesture, or another attempt at diplomatic wedge-driving?

The Economist

It also followed a rare conciliatory gesture to the South.

The New York Times

But was Ferguson inviting you not a conciliatory gesture?

The Guardian - Sport

In a conciliatory gesture, the Navy moved the exercises to the Sea of Japan.

The New York Times

(After the strike, he was fired by President Nazarbayev as a conciliatory gesture).

The New York Times

And any conciliatory gesture toward Iran is politically risky at home.

The New York Times

"O.K., fine," he said, in what seemed intended as a nominally conciliatory gesture.

The New Yorker

Bush made a conciliatory gesture toward his rival in an interview with NBC News.

The Washington Post

Many here had expected Beijing to increase this proportion in 2008 as a small, conciliatory gesture.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conciliatory gesture" when you want to emphasize an action specifically intended to reduce animosity or restore harmony between parties. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts, particularly when describing diplomatic or interpersonal situations.

Common error

Avoid using "conciliatory gesture" in very informal contexts where simpler phrases like "apology" or "peace offering" would be more appropriate. Using it in overly casual scenarios can sound unnatural or forced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conciliatory gesture" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a specific action or offering that aims to restore goodwill or reduce hostility. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conciliatory gesture" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrase that describes an action intended to restore goodwill or reduce hostility. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile, appearing most often in News & Media. While it can be used in various contexts, avoiding overuse in overly casual scenarios is advisable. Related phrases include "peace offering" and "reconciliatory action". This analysis provides insights into the phrase's usage, context, and alternatives, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conciliatory action

A more general term referring to any action intended to appease or reconcile.

conciliatory measure

Highlights the practical and deliberate nature of the action as a means to achieve reconciliation.

conciliatory step

Suggests a single action taken as part of a larger process of reconciliation.

conciliatory signal

Emphasizes the communicative aspect of the gesture, implying a message of peace or understanding.

conciliatory initiative

Implies a proactive and planned effort to create reconciliation.

peace offering

Highlights the act of offering something to restore peace and harmony.

conciliatory stance

Refers to an attitude or position adopted to show willingness to reconcile.

restorative gesture

Emphasizes the act of restoring a relationship or situation to a former, better state.

sweet gesture

Focuses on the pleasant and agreeable nature of the act, rather than its intention to reconcile.

supportive gesture

Highlights the aspect of providing assistance or encouragement, which may or may not be intended to reconcile.

FAQs

How can I use "conciliatory gesture" in a sentence?

You can use "conciliatory gesture" to describe an action intended to make someone more amenable or to restore a friendly relationship. For example: "The company's donation to the charity was seen as a "conciliatory gesture" after the controversy.".

What are some alternatives to "conciliatory gesture"?

Some alternatives include "peace offering", "olive branch", "reconciliatory action", or "goodwill gesture". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "conciliatory gesture" formal or informal?

"Conciliatory gesture" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It is appropriate for use in news articles, academic papers, and business communications, as well as in everyday conversation.

What is the difference between a "conciliatory gesture" and a "compromise"?

A "conciliatory gesture" is an action meant to appease or make someone more friendly, while a "compromise" involves both parties making concessions to reach an agreement. A "conciliatory gesture" may or may not lead to a compromise.