Reconciliation

[ˌrɛkənlɪˈeɪʃən]

nounmedium📊CommonAction
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The restoration of friendly relations; the action of making one view or belief compatible with another.

[ˌrɛkənlɪˈeɪʃən]

nounpositivemedium
Action

The act of restoring friendly relations.

The meeting was held to discuss the possibilities of reconciliation between the feuding families.

💡 Simply: Imagine two friends had a big fight. Reconciliation is like when they decide to talk things out and become friends again. It’s about fixing what was broken.

👶 For kids: When people who were mad at each other become friends again.

More Examples

2

Efforts toward reconciliation were made after the divorce, but the damage was too severe.

3

The country's leaders are working towards national reconciliation after the civil war.

How It's Used

Politics

"The two nations engaged in a process of reconciliation after years of conflict."

Personal relationships

"After their argument, they sought reconciliation to mend their friendship."

2

The act of making different ideas, beliefs, or theories consistent with each other.

[ˌrɛkənlɪˈeɪʃən]

nounneutralAdvanced
Concept

The action of making one view or belief compatible with another.

Einstein's theory of relativity led to the reconciliation of space and time.

💡 Simply: Reconciliation can also mean making two different ideas or beliefs fit together, even if they seem opposite at first.

👶 For kids: Making different ideas or thoughts work together.

More Examples

2

The historian focused on the reconciliation of conflicting historical accounts.

3

The challenge lies in the reconciliation of economic growth and environmental protection.

How It's Used

Philosophy

"The philosopher explored the reconciliation of free will and determinism."

Theology

"Christian theology emphasizes the reconciliation of humanity with God through Christ."

Tip:Think about bringing together ideas, beliefs, or philosophies to align them.

Idioms & expressions

a process of reconciliation

A series of actions or steps taken to restore friendly relations or to bring differing ideas or beliefs together.

"The two countries began a long process of reconciliation after years of conflict."

seek reconciliation

To attempt to restore friendly relations or to bring differing views or beliefs into agreement.

"After the argument, they both decided to seek reconciliation."

From Old French *reconciliacion*, from Latin *reconciliatio*, from *reconciliare* 'to reconcile,' from *re-* (again) + *conciliare* 'to bring together'.

The word 'reconciliation' has been used since the late 14th century, initially in a religious context, referring to bringing someone back to favor with God. Its use expanded to secular contexts over time.

Memory tip

Think of 're-conciling' people or ideas, putting them back together.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to bring together again"

national reconciliationseek reconciliationprocess of reconciliationachieve reconciliationpromote reconciliation

Common misspellings

reconcialiationreconsiliationreconsoliation

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written