verb C2 Proficient Uncommon

reconcile

REH-kuhn-syl

Reconcile (verb) means to restore a friendly relationship between people after a disagreement. Example: “The two sisters reconciled after years of not speaking.”

verb

To restore a friendly relationship between people after a disagreement.

"The two sisters reconciled after years of not speaking."

To make two seemingly conflicting ideas or facts fit together.

"It's hard to reconcile his kind reputation with what he actually did."

To check financial records so they match and any differences are explained.

"The bookkeeper reconciles the accounts at the end of each month."

How to use reconcile

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo patch up a relationship, make conflicting things fit together, or match up financial records.

Common pairings

reconcile differences reconcile accounts reconcile with someone

Word forms

reconciled past tense, reconciles singular

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The two sisters _____ after years of not speaking.

Etymology

From Latin reconciliare, built from re- ("again") and conciliare ("to bring together, unite") — the same root that gives us "council" and "conciliate."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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settle submit accommodate resign harmonize make up patch up harmonise conciliate

Related words

people control form pay fall offer choose agree

Rhymes for reconcile

file mile tile pile wile vile rile Nile bile Chile smile while

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Frequently asked questions

What does “reconcile” mean?

The word “reconcile” means to restore a friendly relationship between people after a disagreement. In plain terms, to patch up a relationship, make conflicting things fit together, or match up financial records.

How do you pronounce “reconcile”?

“Reconcile” is pronounced REH-kuhn-syl (/ˈɹɛkənˌsaɪl/ in IPA).

How do you use “reconcile” in a sentence?

Here is “reconcile” used in a sentence: “The two sisters reconciled after years of not speaking.”

What part of speech is “reconcile”?

“Reconcile” is a verb.

Where does the word “reconcile” come from?

The word “reconcile” comes from Latin. From Latin reconciliare, built from re- ("again") and conciliare ("to bring together, unite") — the same root that gives us "council" and "conciliate.".

Is “reconcile” a common word?

“Reconcile” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “reconcile” have?

“Reconcile” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to restore a friendly relationship between people after a disagreement.

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