solace

American  

[sol-is] / ˈsɒl ɪs /

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.

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verb (used with object)

solaced, solacing

1. to comfort, console, or cheer (a person, oneself, the heart, etc.).

2. to alleviate or relieve (sorrow, distress, etc.).

solace British  

/ ˈsɒlɪs /

noun

1. comfort in misery, disappointment, etc

2. something that gives comfort or consolation

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verb

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

2. to alleviate (sorrow, misery, etc)

Other Word Forms

• solacer noun
• unsolaced adjective
• unsolacing adjective

Etymology

Origin of solace

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

Example Sentences

In 2011, after his breakup with Ms. Lange, he wrote: “My myriad girlfriends are all somehow disappointing. My only solace seems to be writing.”

From The Wall Street Journal

For those who dread the one thing they can’t prepare for, “Eternity” is an IV drip of sweet solace.

From Salon

The actor draws strength from the groundlings and they, in turn, find solace in his pain.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, on Friday, the market took solace in New York Federal Reserve President John Williams being down with a December interest-rate cut.

From Barron's

Then, on Friday, the market took solace in New York Federal Reserve President John Williams being down with a December interest-rate cut.

From Barron's

Related Words

• condolence
• consolation
• pity