Reconcile

/ˈrɛkənˌsaɪl/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to restore to friendship or harmony

After years of conflict, they finally decided to reconcile their differences.

to make consistent or congruous

She found it difficult to reconcile her duties as a parent with her career ambitions.

to settle or resolve a dispute

The mediator helped to reconcile the opposing parties during the negotiation.

to account for or explain a discrepancy

The accountant worked late to reconcile the financial statements with the bank records.

Middle English: from Old French 'reconcilier', from Latin 'reconciliare' meaning 'bring together again'.

reconcile accounts

to make financial records consistent or correct.

reconcile differences

to settle or resolve conflicting opinions or views.

reconcile oneself to something

to accept something unpleasant or undesirable.

reconciliation

the restoration of friendly relations.

reconciler

a person who helps settle differences.

reconcilable

able to be made compatible or consistent.

patch things up

They had a big fight, but they managed to patch things up.

smooth things over

She tried to smooth things over after the argument.