reconcile
verb (used with object), rec·on·ciled, rec·on·cil·ing.
verb (used without object), rec·on·ciled, rec·on·cil·ing.
Origin of reconcile
SYNONYMS FOR reconcile
OTHER WORDS FROM reconcile
Words nearby reconcile
VOCAB BUILDER
What does reconcile mean?
Reconcile means to make amends, come to a truce, or settle a dispute.
Reconcile can also mean to make things compatible or consistent with each other. This sense of the word is especially used when discussing two things that cannot be reconciled, such as two contrasting beliefs.
Another sense of the word means to cause to accept a negative situation or become resigned to it, as in I am reconciled to my fate of never being able to afford my dream house.
The noun form of reconcile is reconciliation, which refers to the process of reconciling. It’s also the name of a Catholic sacrament involving the confession of sin.
Example: After years of not speaking to each other, the two finally sat down and reconciled.
Where does reconcile come from?
The first records of the word reconcile come from the 1300s. It comes from the Latin reconciliāre, meaning “to make good again” or “to repair.”
To reconcile with someone is to repair a relationship that had been broken. It can happen between two people, such as former friends who had a falling-out. Or it can happen between groups, such as warring factions in a country. Reconciling is usually thought to create more than just a truce. When true reconciliation occurs, the two formerly hostile sides become respectful of each other—and, ideally, friends.
When you reconcile two things, you make them consistent. You can reconcile the numbers with a total amount. This sense of the word is often used in questions about how two seemingly contrasting things can be compatible, such as You said you support the plan but that it might not be the best choice—how do you reconcile those two statements?
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to reconcile?
- reconciliation (noun)
What are some synonyms for reconcile?
What are some words that share a root or word element with reconcile?
What are some words that often get used in discussing reconcile?
How is reconcile used in real life?
When it refers to making amends, reconcile is typically used in the context of two parties that have a serious, longstanding dispute. When it refers to making two things consistent, it’s often used in the discussion or two things that seem to be incompatible.
My Father disowned me when I said I wouldn't fight in Vietnam. We reconciled; there is always hope. Push on.
— 💧George Williams on Guringai Land (@georgerobbwill) May 26, 2020
social media makes it easy to feel like everyone agrees with you on a thing and i think it becomes especially difficult when in reality you have a minority opinion and its very hard to reconcile the two things.
— Oliver Willis (@owillis) April 14, 2020
Life is just an endless series of attempts to reconcile how you feel with how you think you’re supposed to feel.
— Shower Thoughts (@TheWeirdWorld) December 5, 2017
Try using reconcile!
True or False?
Reconcile means the same thing as apologize.