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“Reconcile” vs. “Make Up”: What’s the Difference?

Jul 25, 2023
Engram
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The difference between “reconcile” and “make up”

  • "Reconcile" is a standalone verb specifically focused on restoring friendly relations, while "make up" is a phrasal verb that encompasses the process of resolving conflicts and reaching an agreement.
  • While "reconcile" tends to be used in more formal or serious contexts, "make up" is a more common and versatile expression that is used more in personal relationships than professional ones.
  • "Reconcile" emphasizes the restoration of harmony and the acceptance of differences, often involving forgiveness and a willingness to rebuild the relationship; whereas "make up" can refer to both the resolution of fights and the act of apologizing or making amends.
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What is the definition of “reconcile” and “make up”?

Reconcile
  • "Reconcile" is a verb that means to restore friendly relations between individuals or groups after a disagreement or conflict.
  • It involves resolving differences, finding common ground, and achieving a state of harmony or peace.
  • "Reconcile" often implies the willingness to forgive, accept, or make amends in order to rebuild a positive relationship.
Make up
  • "Make up" is a phrasal verb that means to resolve conflicts or differences between individuals or groups.
  • It involves coming to an agreement, finding a solution, or restoring harmony after a disagreement or dispute.
  • "Make up" can also refer to the act of apologizing, forgiving, and moving past the conflict to rebuild a positive relationship.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Make up” is the more popular variant on the web.
Reconcile
108,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. After a heated argument, it took a few days for them to reconcile and become friends again.
  2. The couple went to counseling to reconcile their differences and save their relationship.
  3. It was difficult for them to reconcile their conflicting beliefs and opinions on politics.
More popular
Make up
649,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. She baked her friend's favorite cookies to make up for forgetting about their plans.
  2. The siblings got into a fight, but they made up after their parents intervened.
  3. He apologized for his mistake and tried to make up for it by offering to help out more at work.
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