Definition of Reconcile
The word reconcile is a verb that means to restore friendly relations between people or groups, to make one thing compatible with another, or to accept something unpleasant as inevitable. It is often used in personal, financial, and legal contexts.
Example Sentences:
- After years of conflict, the two nations finally reconciled their differences.
- She struggled to reconcile her career ambitions with her family responsibilities.
- The accountant had to reconcile the financial records before the audit.
- He found it hard to reconcile himself to the reality of his situation.
- The software helps users reconcile transactions across multiple accounts.
Synonyms of Reconcile
To expand your vocabulary, here are synonyms categorized based on their strength of similarity to “reconcile.”
Strongest Matches (Direct Synonyms):
- Settle
- Resolve
- Mend
- Restore
- Harmonize
- Reunite
Strong Matches (Closely Related Synonyms):
- Balance
- Accommodate
- Pacify
- Adjust
- Align
- Make peace
- Bridge
Weak Matches (Loosely Related Synonyms):
- Accept
- Endure
- Tolerate
- Yield
- Succumb
Contextual Usage of Reconcile
Personal Relationships:
- “They finally decided to reconcile after years of estrangement.”
- “Marriage counseling helped them reconcile their differences.”
Financial & Accounting:
- “It’s important to reconcile your bank statements monthly.”
- “The auditor needs to reconcile discrepancies in the financial reports.”
Philosophical & Emotional Acceptance:
- “He had to reconcile himself to the loss of his dream job.”
- “She struggled to reconcile her ideals with the harsh reality.”
Legal & Diplomatic:
- “The two parties finally reconciled their contractual disputes.”
- “Diplomatic efforts are being made to reconcile the warring factions.”
Related Words & Phrases
- Reconciliation (noun) – The act of reconciling
- Reconciliatory (adjective) – Intended to restore harmony
- Unreconciled (adjective) – Not yet resolved
- Conciliation (noun) – The act of mediating disputes
- Amicable (adjective) – Friendly and cooperative resolution
- Compromise (noun) – A settlement by mutual concession
Additional Insights
- Etymology: The word “reconcile” comes from the Latin reconciliare, which means “to bring together again.”
- Common Misconception: Some people think reconciliation means returning to the exact same state as before a dispute, but it often means reaching a new, mutually agreeable state.
- Cultural Significance: Many religious and philosophical traditions emphasize reconciliation as a virtue, promoting forgiveness and peace.
Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date linguistic information, meanings and usages of words may evolve over time. For formal definitions and further linguistic analysis, consult a trusted dictionary or linguistic expert.
