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

That said, Wilson has learned to find solace in times of sadness and dread by taking the long view.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Take some solace, then, in that you are not crazy for thinking this is insulting, in all of its dystopian absurdity.

Read more on Salon

But she will warn them if the Labour government does not succeed, "working people will turn away from us" and "seek solace in the false promises" from Nigel Farage's party.

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Europa League nights have so often brought solace and soothed any domestic difficulties suffered by Rangers in recent seasons.

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The Hollywood Reporter called the film "an anguished portrait of what it takes for women to survive", and a "clear-eyed, restrained, moving story" of two young women finding solace in each other.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• condolence 
• consolation 
• pity