solace

[ sol-is ]

noun

1. comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; alleviation of distress or discomfort.
2. something that gives comfort, consolation, or relief:

   The minister's visit was the dying man's only solace.

verb (used with object)

, sol·aced, sol·ac·ing.

1. to comfort, console, or cheer (a person, oneself, the heart, etc.).
2. to alleviate or relieve (sorrow, distress, etc.).

solace

/ ˈsɒlɪs /

noun

1. comfort in misery, disappointment, etc
2. something that gives comfort or consolation

verb

1. to give comfort or cheer to (a person) in time of sorrow, distress, etc
2. to alleviate (sorrow, misery, etc)

Derived Forms

• ˈsolacer, noun

Other Words From

• solac·er noun
• un·solaced adjective
• un·solac·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of solace¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English solas, from Old French, from Latin sōlācium, equivalent to sōl (ārī) “to comfort” + -āc- adjective suffix + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of solace¹

C13: from Old French solas, from Latin sōlātium comfort, from sōlārī to console

Example Sentences

It’s a sly note of social observation from Beckett on how inhumanity is transmitted in a play that is focused on our mutual dependence in a world without metaphysical foundation or solace.

From Los Angeles Times

Election mourners won’t find much solace in their newsfeeds, but there is something else to keep us afloat for now: the font of absurdist humor produced by a Trump presidency.

From Los Angeles Times

In the quest for fragments of solace, it’s also perhaps understandable that when tales of bravery are found, they are celebrated unashamedly.

From BBC

But I take some solace and optimism in the initial pushback from state and local officials who are preparing their resistance.

From Salon

The shifts in my internal landscape, mirrored in the cyclical qualities of the natural world, bring solace.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• condolence
• consolation
• pity