solace

¹so·lace

verb \ˈsä-ləs also ˈsō-\

so·lacedso·lac·ing

Definition of SOLACE

transitive verb

1

: to give comfort to in grief or misfortune : console

2

a : to make cheerful b : amuse

3

: allay, soothe <solace grief>

— so·lace·ment \-mənt\ noun

— so·lac·er noun

Examples of SOLACE

1. <counselors did their best to solace the bereaved children>
2. <I solaced myself with a book while I waited for the bus.>
3. Solaced by an abundance of whisky, champagne and cigars, he always bounced back, restoring and recreating himself through intensely active immersion in one or another of his varied interests … —Robert Kuttner, New York Times Book Review, 23 Oct. 1988
4. In this deplorable state, I contrived to do, what I take to have been, three Objective things. I got Mr. Franklin his sherry; I retired to my own room; and I solaced myself with the most composing pipe of tobacco I ever remember to have smoked in my life. —Wilkie Collins, The Moonstone, 1868
5. … and it was settled that Mr. Jones should be sent for early in the morning if Miss Bennet were not decidedly better. Bingley was quite uncomfortable; his sisters declared that they were miserable. They solaced their wretchedness, however, by duets after supper … —Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, 1813

Origin of SOLACE

(see ²solace)

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to SOLACE

Synonyms: assure, cheer, console, reassure, comfort, soothe

Antonyms: distress, torment, torture, trouble

Related Words: commiserate, condole, empathize, sympathize; boost, buoy (up), elevate, lift, uplift; allay, alleviate, assuage, relieve; calm, quiet, relax, tranquilize (also tranquillize)

Near Antonyms: demoralize, discourage, dishearten; fret, upset, worry; aggravate, intensify, worsen; annoy, irk, irritate; harass, pester

see all synonyms and antonyms

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