Definition

Verb: * To cause someone to become more favorably inclined or less angry; to appease or placate.

Usage

• The verb "gruntle" is used when describing the action of calming someone down, especially by addressing their concerns or anger. It implies successfully restoring a person's good will.
• It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the person being appeased).
• Note: This word is relatively uncommon in modern English. Its more frequent synonym, "disgruntle" (meaning to make dissatisfied or angry), is often mistakenly thought to be its opposite, but "gruntle" is the original, positive form.

Examples

• The manager's sincere apology and offer of a full refund gruntled the upset client.
• It took some time, but a hot meal and a comfortable bed finally gruntled the weary travelers.
• Her calm explanation of the delay helped to gruntle the impatient audience.

Advanced Usage

• The word is rarely used in contemporary speech or writing and can sound archaic or humorous. Using it often draws attention to the word itself due to its rarity and its relationship to the common word "disgruntled."

Variants and Related Words

• Disgruntle (verb): To make dissatisfied or discontented; to make peevishly unhappy.
  • The new policies disgruntled many of the long-term employees.
• Disgruntled (adjective): Angry or dissatisfied.
  • The disgruntled customer demanded to speak to the supervisor.

Synonyms

• Mollify: To soothe in temper or disposition; to appease.
• Placate: To soothe or mollify, especially by concessions.
• Appease: To bring to a state of peace or quiet; to pacify.
• Pacify: To allay the anger or agitation of.

Antonyms

• Disgruntle: To make dissatisfied or angry.
• Anger: To make angry.
• Provoke: To incite to anger or resentment.
• Irritate: To excite impatience, anger, or displeasure in.

Verb

1. cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
   • She managed to mollify the angry customer