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Consolation: meaning, definitions and examples

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consolation

 

[ˌkɒn.səˈleɪ.ʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a difficult situation

The act of providing comfort or relief to someone who is experiencing sadness, disappointment, or loss.

Synonyms

comfort, solace, support, sympathy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consolation

Used to indicate something that makes someone feel less sad or disappointed when they have suffered a loss.

  • After losing the game, winning the MVP award was a small consolation for the player
comfort

Used to refer to easing someone's physical or mental pain; often used in more personal and immediate situations.

  • She put her arms around him to provide some comfort during the hard times
solace

Used to describe finding comfort in something or someone during a time of distress or sadness; often more formal.

  • After his wife's death, he found solace in spending time with their children
sympathy

Used when expressing feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune; often in a more empathetic or compassionate context.

  • He wrote her a note of sympathy after hearing about her loss
support

Used to indicate aiding or assisting someone, usually in a more active or practical sense.

  • Her friends offered emotional and financial support after she lost her job

Examples of usage

  • He offered her words of consolation after she lost her job.
  • The dog was a great source of consolation to the elderly woman.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A game or contest that determines the winner of a series in which the teams or players are tied.

Synonyms

decider, playoff, tiebreaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consolation

In sports or competitions, this term is used to describe a secondary prize or game for those who did not win the main event. It is meant to provide some comfort to the participants.

  • Even though he didn't win the championship, he received a consolation prize for his effort.
  • The team was disappointed to miss the finals but took part in a consolation match.
playoff

Used in sports, this refers to a series of contests to determine the overall champion. It typically occurs after the regular season.

  • The team performed well throughout the season and made it to the playoffs.
  • The playoffs are starting next week, and excitement is building.
tiebreaker

In competitive settings, this term is applied when an additional game or question is used to break a tie between participants.

  • After a tight match, they needed a tiebreaker to declare the winner.
  • The game was so close that it went into a tiebreaker.
decider

This word is used during situations where a final decision or outcome is determined, often in the context of a series of matches or games.

  • The final match of the tournament will serve as the decider to see who takes home the trophy.
  • They played three games, with the last one being the decider.

Examples of usage

  • The consolation match will determine the third-place finisher in the tournament.
  • The consolation prize was awarded to the runner-up.
Context #3 | Noun

religion

The belief in the comfort and reassurance of a higher power or spiritual presence.

Synonyms

comfort, reassurance, solace, spiritual support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consolation

Used to describe something or someone that provides comfort after a loss or disappointment.

  • Winning a small prize was some consolation for not getting the first place
  • Her friends offered her consolation after the breakup
comfort

Used in general situations where ease, relief, and well-being are provided to someone; can be both physical and emotional.

  • The soft blanket provided a lot of comfort on a cold night
  • Her words gave me comfort during my difficult time
solace

Used to refer to finding comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness, often implying a deeper emotional relief.

  • He found solace in playing the piano after work
  • She discovered solace in the quiet beauty of nature
reassurance

Used when offering someone confidence or removing doubts and fears about a specific concern or situation.

  • The doctor's reassurances made him feel better about the surgery
  • She needed constant reassurance from her boss about her job performance
spiritual support

Used when providing comfort and strength through religious or spiritual beliefs, often in times of extreme stress or crisis.

  • During her illness, she found spiritual support through her faith
  • The community offered spiritual support to those affected by the disaster

Examples of usage

  • She found consolation in her faith during times of hardship.
  • The priest's words of consolation brought peace to the grieving family.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • This term comes from the Latin word 'consolatio', which means comfort.
  • In the past, it specifically referred to the act of comforting someone, emphasizing emotional support.

Psychology

  • Consolation is often linked to emotional resilience, helping people cope better with grief or disappointment.
  • Studies show that receiving consolation can lead to improved psychological well-being and faster recovery from setbacks.

Literature

  • In many stories, protagonists find consolation through friendships or loved ones, highlighting the importance of human connection.
  • Classic literature often explores themes of loss and consolation, where characters grow stronger after receiving support.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have rituals for providing consolation during funerals, focusing on community support and shared mourning.
  • In some traditions, offering food, like a comforting meal, is a common way to provide consolation to someone in distress.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often touch on themes of seeking and providing consolation, resonating with listeners during tough times.
  • Movies frequently depict scenes where characters find solace in unexpected places, reinforcing the idea of hope and recovery.

Translations

Translations of the word "consolation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 consolação

🇮🇳 सांत्वना (sāṃtvanā)

🇩🇪 Trost

🇮🇩 penghiburan

🇺🇦 втіха

🇵🇱 pocieszenie

🇯🇵 慰め (nagusame)

🇫🇷 consolation

🇪🇸 consuelo

🇹🇷 teselli

🇰🇷 위로 (wiro)

🇸🇦 تعزية (taʿziya)

🇨🇿 útěcha

🇸🇰 útecha

🇨🇳 安慰 (ānwèi)

🇸🇮 tolažba

🇮🇸 huggun

🇰🇿 жұбаныш (zhūbanysh)

🇬🇪 ნუგეში (nugeshi)

🇦🇿 təsəlli

🇲🇽 consuelo

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,802 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.