console

¹

[kuhn-sohl]

verb (used with object)

consoled, consoling 

1. to alleviate or lessen the grief, sorrow, or disappointment of; give solace or comfort.

   Even his children could not console him when his wife died.

console

²

[kon-sohl]

noun

1. Also called video game console. Also called game(s) console,. Also called gaming console,. a computer system specially made for playing video games by connecting it to a television or other display for video and sound.

2. the control or monitoring unit of a computer, containing the keyboard or keys, switches, etc.

3. a television, phonograph, or radio cabinet designed to stand on the floor rather than on a table or shelf.

4. a desklike structure containing the keyboards, pedals, etc., by means of which an organ is played.

5. a small cabinet standing on the floor and having doors.

6. console table.

7. the control unit of a mechanical, electrical, or electronic system.

   the console that controls a theater's lighting system.

8. Architecture.,  an ornamental corbel or bracket, especially one high in relation to its projection.

9. Automotive.,  a tray or container typically divided into compartments, mounted between bucket seats, and used for storing small items.

10. Nautical.,  a unit on a vessel containing steering apparatus, systems monitoring equipment, etc..

    a bridge console, an engine-room console.

console

¹

/ ˈkɒnsəʊl /

noun

1. an ornamental bracket, esp one used to support a wall fixture, bust, etc

2. the part of an organ comprising the manuals, pedals, stops, etc

3. a unit on which the controls of an electronic system are mounted

4. same as games console

5. a cabinet for a television, gramophone, etc, designed to stand on the floor

6. See console table

console

²

/ kənˈsəʊl /

verb

1. to serve as a source of comfort to (someone) in disappointment, loss, sadness, etc

Other Word Forms

• consolable adjective
• consoler noun
• inconsolable adjective
• unconsolable adjective
• unconsolably adverb
• unconsoled adjective
• consolingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of console¹

First recorded in 1685–95; either from French consoler or directly from Latin consōlārī, equivalent to con- con- + sōlārī “to soothe” ( solace ); perhaps akin to Old English sǣl “happiness” ( seely )

Origin of console²

First recorded in 1700–10; from French; Middle French consolle “bracket, support,” apparently shortening of consolateur (attested in Middle French with same sense), literally, “one who consoles” (from Late Latin consōlātor; console ¹ , -ator ), perhaps because such supports served as rests in choir stalls, etc.; misericord

Word History and Origins

Origin of console¹

C18: from French, shortened from Old French consolateur one that provides support, hence, supporting bracket, from Latin consōlātor a comforter; see _console ¹

Origin of console²

C17: from Latin consōlārī, from sōlārī to comfort; see _solace

Synonym Study

See comfort.

Example Sentences

The company said shoppers across income groups are spending on new laptops, videogame consoles and cellphones.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The new console and both games will bring a smile to everyone in your family, regardless of age.

Read more on Barron's

In our experience, seamless connecting and no cables cluttering the center console are reasons enough to insist on wireless smartphone interfacing.

Read more on MarketWatch

The piano-black plastic material on the console and around door switches might actually be haunted; fingerprints appear mysteriously overnight.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Meanwhile, if you are nursing brutal losses in bitcoin, here are a few things that might console you a little bit.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• assuage 
• soothe