Mollific

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having the quality of softening hardness or calming anger, like a soothing influence that reduces tension or hostility
2. Serving to make something less harsh or to pacify resistance through gentle or conciliatory means
3. Capable of mollifying resistance or displeasure by making conditions or attitudes less severe or rigid

Etymology: "Mollific" is built from two Latin parts: "mollis," meaning soft, and "-ficus," from "facere," to make. Its literal sense is "making soft," and it describes anything that softens or soothes, whether a hard surface or a person's temper. Its close relative "mollify" comes from the Latin verb "mollificare," which has the same roots. English uses "mollify" mostly for calming feelings, while the adjective form has stayed rare, which is why it reads as a learned, slightly old-fashioned choice.

Synonyms: mollifying, soothing

Antonyms: irritating, aggravating