When we talk about fixing things in relationships or agreements, two words often come up: reconcile and reconciliate. You might wonder, are both words okay to use? Do they mean the same thing?
Reconcile is the correct and commonly used word when talking about making peace between people or agreeing with a situation. For example, “After their argument, they decided to reconcile and move forward together.”
The word reconciliate is actually not commonly used and might be considered incorrect in modern usage. Stick with reconcile for clarity and correctness in both spoken and written English.
Understanding Reconcile
Reconcile is a word you might have heard quite often. Imagine you and your friend have a fight. After a while, you both talk, sort out your differences, and decide to be friends again. That’s what reconcile means – to restore friendly relations or to make consistent with another.
Here are some examples to help you see how reconcile is used:
- “They decided to reconcile and move past their misunderstandings.”
- “The accountant reconciled the two accounts, ensuring the figures matched.”
Looking at Reconciliate
Now, let’s talk about reconciliate. It’s not a word you hear every day, right? Reconciliate is actually an older form of the word reconcile. It essentially means the same thing: to bring back harmony or to make consistent. However, it’s not as commonly used anymore.
Here’s an example:
- “The diplomat worked hard to reconciliate the conflicting parties.”
Which One Should You Use?
It comes down to what sounds natural and what is more commonly accepted. Reconcile is widely preferred and recognized in both spoken and written English today. Using reconcile makes your language sound more contemporary and fluent.
Imagine you’re repainting your room. Would you use an old, faded color that’s been sitting in a can for years, or a fresh, new color from the store? Using reconcile is like picking that new paint. It just fits better with what’s current and effective.
Why the Preference for Reconcile?
Language evolves, which means the words we use can change over time. Reconcile has become the go-to choice because it’s simpler and falls more naturally in conversation. Think about tying a shoelace – you’d choose the easiest and quickest method that gets the job done right. In the same way, reconcile ties up the meaning efficiently without extra fuss.
When you’re choosing which word to use, think about how often you hear or see the word. More common usage often points to a preference in language. It’s the same as choosing whether to call a soda a ‘soda’ or a ‘pop.’ You’d likely go with what everyone else around you is saying.
But Is Reconciliate Wrong Then?
No, it’s not wrong. It’s just not used as much. If you like the sound of reconciliate, and it fits the context of something very formal or old-fashioned, it’s still understandable. It’s similar to choosing to wear a vintage dress at a modern party. It stands out as different, but it’s not incorrect.
In everyday tasks, whether they be writing an email, talking with friends, or setting up a business deal, you’ll find reconcile works just fine. It’s more straightforward and conveys your point clearly without making your listeners or readers pause to think too hard.
Conclusion
When choosing words, think about what sounds right in today’s language. Do you want to fit in and be easily understood, or do you want to stand out a bit? Just like picking an outfit for the day, picking words is about what works well in the context and what feels right to you.
So next time when you’re speaking or writing about fixing relationships or differences, reaching out for reconcile