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)

solaced, solacing 

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)

Other Word Forms

• solacer noun
• unsolaced adjective
• unsolacing 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

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Barron's

The happy hands became Ms. McDermott’s solace and her souvenir, and later—when her son developed his own fondness for them, as mother and son cooked and baked together—a renewed source of happiness.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Neighbors find solace in knowing that they won’t desert each other.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• condolence 
• consolation 
• pity