solace
SAHL-us
/ˈsɒl.ɪs/
Comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.
Carries deep emotional warmth and sympathy; usually sought or found during grief, loss, or hardship.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'solas', originating from Latin 'solari' (to comfort). It shares origins with 'console' and 'disconsolate'. The word has always signified a soothing sanctuary for an aching heart.
Word relationships
- consolation: Consolation is the formal compensation or comfort given for loss; solace is the deep emotional feeling of comfort itself.
- affliction: Affliction is something that causes pain or suffering.
- despair: Despair is the complete absence of hope and comfort.
Commonly confused with
- solitude: Solitude is the state of being alone; solace is emotional comfort (though one can find solace in solitude!).
Word family
- console (verb): To comfort someone at a time of grief.
Collocations
- find solace in
- seek solace
- bring solace
- a source of solace
Idioms & expressions
- a balm for the soul
Example sentences
- "She found solace in long solitary walks through the autumn forest after her father passed away." Bereavement
- "Music was his only solace in those lonely winter months." Classic Literature
Memory hook
SOLACE = SOUL-ASSIST: providing assistance and comfort to a hurting soul. Comfort in sadness.
When not to use
Do not use for superficial or trivial moments of minor annoyance.
Fun facts
- In modern military aviation, 'Solace' was the name of a famous U.S. Navy hospital ship that brought medical comfort during WWII.
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