Mollify

Verb

Definition: To calm down or soothe (someone's anger or anxiety).

Synonyms: Appease, Pacify, Soothe

Antonyms: Provoke, Agitate, Irritate

Examples:
  • The mother mollified her crying baby by rocking him gently.
  • He tried to mollify his boss by offering a sincere apology.
Mnemonics:
  • Think of "mellowing" someone's emotions.

Etymology:

Origin:

Mollify comes from Latin "mollificare," from "mollis" meaning "soft" or "pliable."

Historical Usage:

The word mollify has been used in English since the late 15th century and has maintained its meaning of soothing or calming down someone's emotions.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Mollify the situation"

Explanation:

To take actions or say things in order to make a tense or difficult situation less hostile or confrontational.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing mollify with "pacify" or "appease" as they are similar in meaning.

Explanation:

While mollify, pacify, and appease are all synonyms, mollify specifically emphasizes the aspect of calming or soothing someone's emotions.

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