Sop

usgb/sɑːp/
noun

A thing given or done to make something else more acceptable or less severe.

The pay raise was just a sop to the staff's demands for better working conditions.
Visual representation of "sop" - A thing given or done to make something else more acceptable or less severe

Often appears as...

  • a sop to
  • a mere sop
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "sop"
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Placating Gesture

Used to describe minor concessions or superficial measures given to satisfy demands.

Illustration for Placating Gesture
Discount coupons were offered as a sop to the unhappy customers.
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Critically Insufficient

A sop is often seen as inadequate compared to what is actually needed or expected.

Illustration for Critically Insufficient
The manager's apology felt like a sop and didn't mend the team's low morale.
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Token Offering

Highlighting triviality, 'sop' can imply that the offering is symbolic rather than of tangible benefit.

Illustration for Token Offering
Free coffee in the office is nice but it's a sop and doesn't replace fair pay.
Visual representation of the word "Sop"

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