September 07, 2016
appease (verb)
\uh-PEEZ\ Hear it!
What does it mean?
1 : to make calm or quiet2 : to make less severe : relieve3 : to give in to even when it is wrong to do so
How do you use it?
After he overslept on the first day of his new job, Dennis tried to appease his boss by agreeing to stay late.
Are you a word wiz?

Which one of these words do you think comes from the same parent word as "appease"?

Both "appease" and "pacify" come from the Latin word "pax," which means "peace," and are concerned, in one way or another, with "keeping the peace." While "pacify" suggests the quieting of persons who are upset or angry, "appease" suggests dealing with another's anger by giving in to threats or demands. The verb "pay" also has its root in "pax," and implies that giving someone money in return for goods or services makes for a peaceful relationship.
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