inconsolable
in-kun-SOH-luh-bul
/ˌɪnkənˈsoʊləbl/
(Of a person) not able to be comforted or alleviated of grief.
Suggests a level of grief so deep that no words or actions from others can help.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'solari', meaning to soothe or comfort. The 'con-' prefix acts as an intensifier. To be inconsolable is to be beyond the reach of any soothing influence.
Word relationships
- heartbroken: Heartbroken is the state of the heart; inconsolable is the inability to be helped out of that state.
- despairing: Despairing implies a loss of hope; inconsolable implies a loss of comfort.
- consoled: Consoled means comforted; inconsolable means comfort is impossible.
- cheerful: Cheerful is the opposite of the deep sadness of being inconsolable.
Commonly confused with
- uncomfortable: Uncomfortable is physical or social unease; inconsolable is deep emotional pain.
Word family
- console (verb): To comfort someone at a time of grief or disappointment.
- consolation (noun): The comfort received after a loss.
Collocations
- inconsolable grief
- left inconsolable
- inconsolable crying
Example sentences
- "She was inconsolable for weeks after the funeral, refusing to see any of her friends." Describing a widow's grief.
- "The little boy was inconsolable when his favorite dog went missing." A description of a child's reaction.
Memory hook
In-con-solable: In (not) + Solo (alone). You feel so alone that no one can help. Inconsolable = In-comfort-able (cannot be comforted).
When not to use
Don't use it for someone who is just a little sad; it implies a profound, overwhelming state.
Fun facts
- The word 'solace' comes from the same Latin root 'solari'.
Related words
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