propitiatory

Propitiatory is an adjective describing actions, offerings, or gestures intended to appease or placate someone, often a deity or an authority. The word derives from Latin roots meaning to make favorable or propitious, and it entered English through forms such as propitiate.

In religious contexts, propitiatory acts are those offered to a deity to avert anger, seek favor, or restore harmony after offense. Propitiatory offerings or sacrifices have appeared in various ancient and traditional religions, accompanied by prayers, rites, or ceremonies designed to secure divine goodwill. In Christian theology, propitiation refers to the act of appeasing divine wrath or obtaining mercy, a concept discussed in relation to atonement—though interpretations of how that appeasement is achieved differ among denominations.

Beyond theology, propitiatory can describe conciliatory measures aimed at soothing opponents or repairing strained relations. Such language is often formal or archaic and may emphasize the strategic or ceremonial aspects of appeasement rather than genuine reconciliation alone. In contemporary usage, terms like conciliatory, appeasing, or pacifying are common alternatives, but propitiatory retains a specific connotation of ritual or formal appeasement.

Overall, propitiatory describes efforts to win favor by reducing anger or hostility, with strong historical ties to religious practice and a more limited but still valid role in secular diplomacy or conflict resolution.