The word 'emollient' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is often used in skincare and beauty products to describe a lotion or cream that softens and soothes the skin. Example: "I have sensitive skin, so I always make sure to use an emollient moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated and calm."
David Cameron was more emollient, writing in his reply to Warsi's letter that he realised "this must not have been an easy decision for you to make", and adding: "I understand your strength of feeling on the current crisis in the Middle East – the situation in Gaza is intolerable".
This only works when your hangover is of the blearily, wearily, giddily euphoric kind – when you actively want to leave the house, rather than lying poleaxed in bed, trying not to puke – but, in those circumstances, this relatively light, easily digested combination of emollient fat and amino-acid-releasing carbs and protein, is the perfect palliative.
And while Balls might have preferred a more emollient approach to business, there were no serious policy rifts.
Related: Nick Clegg resigns as Lib Dem leader In an emollient statement outside No 10 after visiting Buckingham Palace to inform Queen Elizabeth II that all but unanimous fears of a second hung parliament – one with no majority party – had not materialised, Cameron promised to lead a "One Nation" Tory government now that he was unencumbered by the compromises of coalition with the Lib Dems.
Bercow's emollient approach this week may be very smart.
Despite Angela Merkel's emollient words, there is little appetite on the continent for Mr Cameron's agenda.
His emollient language, in answer to a question from the former Labour sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe, contrasted with last week's prime minister's questions when he described the £162m programme as a "complete failure".
One Fleet Street hand recalls a "pleasant, emollient figure" on the fringes of Tory circles, "more thoughtful and less privileged than most".
And a man who also did four years in the Northern Ireland Office, using his famously emollient manner and his impeccable Catholic credentials to begin the painstaking construction of something which might one day be peace.
What this suggests is that the pressures within Greece to avoid a confrontation, either by Syriza doing less well than expected at the polls, or through a more emollient stance by Mr Tsipras if he does win power, may just be sufficient to avoid a Grexit.
A compromise is being discussed, almost certainly with the help of the theatre's patron, Trevor Manuel, the ANC's emollient and highly respected former finance minister.
