They both denote 'to calm or reduce the anxiety/anger of,' right?
2007-03-13 03:13:38 · 7 answers · asked by Sabrina . 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
The use of the two depends upon the context.
You placate a man who's in grief or afraid of something. You pacify someone who is very angry.
Cheers!
ST
2007-03-13 03:27:23 · answer #1 · answered by In Memory of Simon Templar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Placate Synonym
2016-11-15 00:27:47 · answer #2 · answered by morelus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pac·i·fy (păs'ə-fī')
tr.v., -fied, -fy·ing, -fies.
1.To ease the anger or agitation of.
2.To end war, fighting, or violence in; establish peace in.
The first meaning is the same for the verb "pacify" and "placate", however the second meaning does not apply to the verb "placate"
pla·cate (plā'kāt', plăk'āt')
tr.v., -cat·ed, -cat·ing, -cates.
To allay the anger of, especially by making concessions; appease.
[Middle English pacifien, from Old French pacifier, from Latin pācificāre : pāx, pāc-, peace + -ficāre, -fy.]
Latin plācāre, plācāt-, to calm.]
I hope it answers your question.
2007-03-13 03:43:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To placate is to mollify, to soothe the irritation or injured feelings of a person.
To pacify is to calm down, particularly in the case of babies.
2007-03-13 03:49:22 · answer #4 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Placate:
to soothe or mollify especially by concessions : APPEASE
synonym see PACIFY
PACIFY, APPEASE, PLACATE, MOLLIFY, PROPITIATE, CONCILIATE mean to ease the anger or disturbance of.
PACIFY suggests a soothing or calming
2007-03-13 03:24:35 · answer #5 · answered by ne11 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pacify is more permanent
2007-03-13 03:17:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they are approximately the same
2007-03-13 03:26:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋