consoling

American

[kuhn-soh-ling] / kənˈsoʊ lɪŋ /

adjective

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 Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of consoling

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

Vocabulary lists containing consoling

Umberto Eco (1932-2016) Tribute List

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Phil Foden's World Cup audition ended painfully with the consoling arm of England head coach Thomas Tuchel around his shoulder.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Soprano Hilary Cronin was a dazzling, lyrical Iole, her precisely calibrated da capo arias capturing the princess’s serene acceptance of her lot and her consoling, thoughtful presence—the antithesis of the disturbed Dejanira.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

He claimed that he began consoling a crying Minaj, only for her to start yelling at him.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 1, 2025

She sent encouraging emails to players and coaches after games, celebrating or consoling them depending on the outcome.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2025

Nor was Darcy’s vindication, though grateful to her feelings, capable of consoling her for such discovery.

From "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023