Showing results for "consoling"

• present participle of console.

consoling

American  

[kuhn-soh-ling] / kənˈsoʊ lɪŋ /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonconsoling
  adjective
• self-consoling
  adjective
• unconsoling
  adjective
• consolingly
  adverb
• nonconsolingly
  adverb
• unconsolingly
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of consoling

consol(e) ¹ ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

consoling

Days after Kirk’s death, Marx posted photos of himself consoling Kirk’s widow, Erika; he announced he was considering a run for governor at a memorial service for Kirk.

From Slate ● Jun. 29, 2026

“I can tell you there is no consoling that family at this point,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2026

He walked off with the consoling arm of Shane Lowry’s daughter Iris - who also went close to hitting the putting surface - round his shoulders.

From BBC ● Apr. 8, 2026

I’m a big Fantasy Football person, so Monday morning is normally consoling myself with how badly Sunday has gone.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 2, 2026

I’m not just consoling myself, or fooling myself into believing I don’t want him because my chances of having him have gone from slim to none.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen

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Related Words

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

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