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 Chargers can take solace in that no one is running away with the division.

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That, however, offers small solace for Mahan as he makes drinks, hands over takeout food and carefully watches his wallet.

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Keenly aware of the violence that roiled around him, as well as the local mob figures that ruled the area, Scorsese found solace in the Catholic Church.

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She added that the Angels must also compensate the family for “loss of companionship, solace, moral support and financial security.”

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Cooper's third film as a director chronicles a middle-aged man finding solace in stand-up comedy after splitting from his wife, and is loosely based on the life of British comic John Bishop.

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Related Words

• condolence 
• consolation 
• pity