solace

American  

[sol-is] / ˈsɒl ɪs /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈsɒlɪs /

noun

1. comfort in misery, disappointment, etc

2. something that gives comfort or consolation

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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

Etymology

Origin of solace

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

Example Sentences

However, they do find a little solace for stocks at least, because rebalancing flows from multiasset investors implies some $65 billion in equity buying and equivalent selling of bonds once the first quarter ends.

From MarketWatch

They will include those who have found solace in books while in prison and others who have used a connection a book club to overcome deep depression.

From BBC

Stacy comes to find tremendous solace in making one’s coffee over a wood-burning stove instead of waiting in line at the local café.

From Salon

Many of the movies of the era picked up on this theme and offered people solace by turning the tables—especially the new genre of gangster movies.

From The Wall Street Journal

For me to give the respect to the character, that deserves a couple of hours of solace and solitude.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• condolence
• consolation
• pity