mollify
Meaning: To soften someone's anger or anxiety, typically through gentle words, concessions, or soothing actions.
Mollify is a more literary and slightly archaic alternative to 'placate' or 'calm down.' It implies a softening of harsh feelings rather than a complete resolution of the dispute. The word appears in broadsheet journalism and formal writing but is rare in everyday speech. It pairs naturally with words suggesting anger or indignation: 'mollify critics,' 'mollify the public.' The related adjective 'mollifying' suggests a tone of gentle reassurance.
Examples
- The chancellor's pledge to protect public services did little to mollify backbenchers who opposed the spending cuts. 财政大臣承诺保护公共服务,但这几乎无法安抚反对削减开支的后座议员。La promesa del ministro de Hacienda de proteger los servicios públicos hizo poco por aplacar a los diputados de base que se oponían a los recortes del gasto.財務大臣の公共サービス保護の誓約は、歳出削減に反対する平議員たちをほとんどなだめることができなかった。재무장관의 공공 서비스 보호 서약은 지출 삭감에 반대하는 평의원들을 거의 달래지 못했다.
- He attempted to mollify his wife with flowers and an apology, but she remained distinctly unimpressed. 他试图用鲜花和道歉来安抚妻子,但她明显仍不领情。Intentó aplacar a su esposa con flores y una disculpa, pero ella siguió claramente poco impresionada.彼は花と謝罪で妻をなだめようとしたが、彼女は明らかに感心しなかった。그는 꽃과 사과로 아내를 달래려 했지만, 그녀는 여전히 분명하게 감동받지 않았다.
- The regulator issued a statement designed to mollify investors alarmed by the sudden drop in share prices. 监管机构发表了一份声明,旨在安抚因股价突然下跌而惊慌的投资者。El regulador emitió un comunicado destinado a aplacar a los inversores alarmados por la caída repentina de las cotizaciones.規制当局は株価の急落に動揺した投資家をなだめるための声明を発表した。규제 기관은 주가 급락에 동요한 투자자들을 진정시키기 위한 성명을 발표했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin mollificare (to make soft), from mollis (soft) + facere (to make). Entered English in the late 15th century via Old French mollifier.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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