SMOOTHING OVER Meaning and
Definition
-
Smoothing over refers to the act of resolving conflicts, disagreements, or difficulties in order to restore harmony, ease tensions, or maintain a peaceful atmosphere. It involves mitigating or downplaying the seriousness of an issue, or finding ways to pacify or reconcile opposing parties. The term can also be used to describe the process of making something more acceptable, pleasant, or agreeable by minimizing negative aspects or detracting attention from them.
In interpersonal relationships, smoothing over often entails using diplomacy, tact, and compromise to mend rifts, mend broken bonds, or bridge cultural or ideological gaps. It may involve reconciling differences, offering apologies, providing reassurances, or extending olive branches to promote reconciliation and cooperation.
In organizational or business settings, smoothing over may involve downplaying errors, conflicts, or scandals to maintain positive public image, prevent negative consequences, or preserve the reputation of an individual or entity. This can be achieved through public relations strategies such as damage control, crisis management, or expert communication to present a more favorable or acceptable version of events.
Overall, smoothing over is the process of addressing and resolving conflicts or difficulties with the intention of maintaining or restoring peace, harmony, or positive perception. It involves navigating sensitive situations with finesse, employing diplomacy and strategic communication to diffuse tensions and promote understanding or agreement.
Common Misspellings for SMOOTHING OVER
- amoothing over
- zmoothing over
- xmoothing over
- dmoothing over
- emoothing over
- wmoothing over
- snoothing over
- skoothing over
- sjoothing over
- smiothing over
- smkothing over
- smlothing over
- smpothing over
- sm0othing over
- sm9othing over
- smoithing over
- smokthing over
- smolthing over
- smopthing over
- smo0thing over
Etymology of SMOOTHING OVER
The phrase "smoothing over" is derived from the combination of the verbs "smooth" and "over". "Smooth", originating in the Old English word "smōth", meant "without roughness". It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "smōthuz", which ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *smet-, meaning "flat".
The word "over" has a separate etymology and comes from the Old English word "ofer", stemming from the Proto-Germanic word "uberi". It evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root *uperi, which meant "over, above".
When these two words are combined, "smoothing over" implies the act of making something smoother or resolving a situation through diplomacy, compromise, or reconciling conflicting viewpoints.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
