conciliatory step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conciliatory step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an action taken to ease tensions or resolve a conflict between parties. Example: "In an effort to mend relations, the company took a conciliatory step by offering a public apology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The German government of Gerhard Schroder would certainly not be the first to take any conciliatory step that might appear to condone the rise of a rightist party in Europe.

The New York Times

When Ms. Gorman noted that until 2008, PayPal required verification after a mere $2,000 in sent money — raising it to $10,000 was a conciliatory step in response to customer complaints, she said — it seemed for a moment that she didn't grasp the essential cockamamieness of the policy she was defending.

The New York Times

But just days before North Korea's tentative conciliatory step this week (see article), a Macau bank found itself in trouble, having been suspected of illegal financial links with the pariah state.Last weekend, nervous depositors in the former Portuguese colony queued outside branches of Banco Delta Asia.

The Economist

The West, in turn, usually (and now very predictably) embraces this "conciliatory" step and begins negotiations.

Forbes

Buckley's death only added fuel to the scandal's fire, and in 1961, Mayor Robert F. Wagner Jr. made the conciliatory step of taking the cabaret cards out of the New York City Police Department's control.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Bush administration is considering conciliatory steps toward North Korea.

The New York Times

A1 U.S. Weighs North Korea Deal The Bush administration is considering conciliatory steps toward North Korea.

The New York Times

North Korea has alternated between conciliatory steps and moves that raise tension.

The New York Times

Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis, who actively opposed the referendum, said he was grateful to Latvian voters for resoundingly rejecting it, but he said some conciliatory steps would be needed.

The New York Times

Anyone asking Iran to take conciliatory steps, like suspending its uranium conversion, should recognize that this work is legal under international agreements.

The New York Times

Serbia's democratic government is proposing some conciliatory steps, like bringing more Albanians into local police forces in the Presevo Valley.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "conciliatory step", ensure the context clearly indicates which parties are involved and what specific tension is being addressed.

Common error

Avoid assuming that taking a "conciliatory step" will automatically resolve a conflict. It represents an attempt, but success depends on reciprocal actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conciliatory step" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "conciliatory" modifies the noun "step". It describes an action taken to reduce tension or restore harmony. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "conciliatory step" is a grammatically sound and relatively rare expression that describes an action taken to ease tensions or resolve a conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples primarily from news and media sources. While simple, effective writing involves choosing language that is not just correct but resonates with the context and audience, so consider options like "reconciliatory action" or "peace offering" depending on the nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reconciliatory action

Similar in meaning but puts emphasis on the action of reconciling, and less on easing the tensions.

pacificatory measure

A formal synonym denoting actions aimed at establishing peace.

olive branch

An idiomatic expression for an offer of peace or reconciliation.

tension-easing move

Focuses on reducing tension, possibly without fully resolving the underlying issue.

appeasing gesture

Emphasizes pacifying someone by acceding to their demands, slightly different focus than general conciliation.

gesture of appeasement

Suggests conceding to demands to avoid conflict, potentially implying weakness.

peace offering

Connotes a more symbolic act aimed at reconciliation, often after a dispute.

making amends

Implies an effort to repair damage or compensate for a past wrong.

goodwill measure

Highlights the intent to foster positive relations, not necessarily resolving a conflict directly.

harmonizing effort

Highlights the aim to create agreement and balance, but might lack immediacy.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "conciliatory step" in a sentence?

To use "conciliatory step" effectively, clearly state who is taking the action and what issue they are trying to resolve. For example, 'As a "reconciliatory action", the company offered a public apology'.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "conciliatory step"?

Alternatives include "appeasing gesture", "peace offering", or "reconciliatory action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "conciliatory step" and "peace offering"?

"Conciliatory step" refers to a broader range of actions aimed at reducing tension, while a "peace offering" is often a specific, symbolic gesture made after a conflict to initiate reconciliation. The phrase "peace offering", has a more positive tone.

Is it correct to say "conciliatory steps" instead of "conciliatory step"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "Conciliatory steps" simply indicates that multiple actions were taken. It depends on whether you want to emphasize a single action or a series of actions.