Professor LEUBA81 and others distinguish between propitiative behaviour towards the beings of the spiritual world, as marking the religious attitude, and coercive behaviour towards these beings as characteristic of the magical attitude; but one form of behaviour merges by insensible degrees into the other, and the distinction (though a useful one) may, for our present purpose, be neglected. From Wordnik.com. [Bygone Beliefs] Reference
The old commodore's eyes flashed to retort, but the senator forced a propitiative smile, adding: "However, let that pass just now, here's something else.". From Wordnik.com. [Gideon's Band A Tale of the Mississippi] Reference
A friendly word will bring him to my hand; but his behavior is never effusive, as it would be if he had found his rightful owner, but mildly propitiative and with a touch of sadness. From Wordnik.com. [Domesticated Animals Their Relation to Man and to his Advancement in Civilization] Reference
During this period, like Ariel Sharon’s subsequent policy of “disengagement,” Israel passed off its actions to the international community as “peaceful” and “propitiative” measures that gave Palestinians autonomy. From Wordnik.com. [The Politics of Pragmatism] Reference
LearnThatWord and the Open Dictionary of English are programs by LearnThat Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.
Questions? Feedback? We want to hear from you!
Email us
or click here for instant support.
Copyright © 2005 and after - LearnThat Foundation. Patents pending.