consolation

noun

con·​so·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled : comfort

She found great consolation in all the cards and letters she received.

2

: something that consoles

specifically : a contest held for those who have lost early in a tournament

consolatory

kən-ˈsō-lə-ˌtȯr-ē 

-ˈsä-

adjective

Synonyms

• comforting
• consoling
• reassurance
• solace
• solacing

Examples of consolation in a Sentence

His kind words were a consolation to me.

the consolation of the grieving family by their pastor

Recent Examples on the Web

This will be little consolation for the U.S., as the National Weather Service predicts above-average summer temperatures for virtually the entire country. —Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2024

Other options are a round-robin format or an eight-team bracket with consolation games. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

see console entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing consolation

• consolation prize
• if it's any consolation

Kids Definition

consolation

noun

con·​so·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled

2

: something that consoles

consolatory

kən-ˈsōl-ə-ˌtōr-ē

-sä-lə-

-ˌtȯr-

adjective