Consolation: meaning, definitions and examples
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consolation
[ ˌkɒn.səˈleɪ.ʃən ]
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
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consolation |
Used to indicate something that makes someone feel less sad or disappointed when they have suffered a loss.
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comfort |
Used to refer to easing someone's physical or mental pain; often used in more personal and immediate situations.
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solace |
Used to describe finding comfort in something or someone during a time of distress or sadness; often more formal.
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sympathy |
Used when expressing feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune; often in a more empathetic or compassionate context.
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support |
Used to indicate aiding or assisting someone, usually in a more active or practical sense.
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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.
sports
A game or contest that determines the winner of a series in which the teams or players are tied.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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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.
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playoff |
Used in sports, this refers to a series of contests to determine the overall champion. It typically occurs after the regular season.
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tiebreaker |
In competitive settings, this term is applied when an additional game or question is used to break a tie between participants.
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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.
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Examples of usage
- The consolation match will determine the third-place finisher in the tournament.
- The consolation prize was awarded to the runner-up.
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
consolation |
Used to describe something or someone that provides comfort after a loss or disappointment.
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comfort |
Used in general situations where ease, relief, and well-being are provided to someone; can be both physical and emotional.
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solace |
Used to refer to finding comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness, often implying a deeper emotional relief.
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reassurance |
Used when offering someone confidence or removing doubts and fears about a specific concern or situation.
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spiritual support |
Used when providing comfort and strength through religious or spiritual beliefs, often in times of extreme stress or crisis.
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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.
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
Etymology
The word 'consolation' originated from the Latin word 'consolationem', which means 'a consoling', 'comfort', or 'alleviation'. It has been used in English since the 14th century, with its meaning evolving to encompass various forms of comfort and support in times of distress or loss. The concept of consolation has been present in human societies throughout history, reflecting the universal need for solace and reassurance in difficult times.