consoling

[ kuhn-soh-ling ]

adjective

1. alleviating or lessening grief, sorrow, or disappointment; giving comfort:

   He gave his companion a consoling clap on the shoulder.

   The consoling power of the book arises not so much from the humor as from the detail with which the author renders his world.

Other Words From

• con·sol·ing·ly adverb
• non·con·sol·ing adjective
• non·con·sol·ing·ly adverb
• self-con·sol·ing adjective
• un·con·sol·ing adjective
• un·con·sol·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of consoling¹

consol(e) ¹( def ) + -ing ²( def )

Example Sentences

It’s a quietly shattering place “All Shall Be Well” goes to, in which a time of consoling devolves into petty matters of consolation.

From Los Angeles Times

There was the consoling pat on the back from Harry Diamond.

From BBC

“You could hear people all around Tony while I was talking to him, and everybody was already consoling him,” said Walker.

From Los Angeles Times

Graterol had to be helped off the field, his teammates consoling the distraught reliever as he reached the dugout.

From Los Angeles Times

She added that she had been consoling the mothers of one of the children who had been injured.

From BBC

Related Words

• assistance
• backing
• cheer
• comfort
• confidence
• consolation
• faith
• fortitude
• incentive
• inspiration
• optimism
• reassurance
• relief
• reward
• stimulation
• stimulus