reconcile

Reconcile is a verb with several related meanings. It most commonly refers to restoring friendly relations between individuals or groups after a disagreement or conflict. It can also mean resolving differences by careful consideration and compromise, or making two or more things consistent or in agreement with one another. The word derives from Latin reconciliare, via Old French reconcilier, literally to bring into agreement again.

In personal contexts, reconciliation often involves acknowledging hurt, communicating openly, offering apologies or forgiveness, and agreeing on steps to prevent future conflicts. Reconciliation can be voluntary, require mediation, or be impossible due to enduring grievances or power imbalances.

In finance and accounting, reconciliation is the process of ensuring two independent records, such as a bank statement and a company ledger, reflect the same balances and transactions. The practice includes comparing entries, identifying discrepancies, making corrections, and maintaining an audit trail. Regular reconciliation helps detect errors, fraud, or irregularities and supports accurate financial reporting.

In law, public policy, and data management, reconciliation often means harmonizing conflicting rules, policies, or datasets. It can refer to truth and reconciliation commissions that address past abuses and promote societal healing, or to data reconciliation that aligns records from multiple sources.

Notable applications include bank reconciliation, interpersonal mediation for reconciliation, and truth and reconciliation commissions used to address historical injustices.