Consoling: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is typically used when someone is trying to provide emotional support or alleviate sadness, especially in a situation of loss or disappointment.

• She spent hours consoling her friend after the breakup.
• Consoling someone who has just lost a loved one is never easy.

Comfort is used more broadly for providing physical or emotional relief. It can be in situations involving pain, stress, or discomfort, and isn't limited to just emotional pain.

• A warm blanket can comfort you on a cold night.
• Her words were a great comfort during his time of distress.

Soothe is often used when calming or reducing physical pain, irritation, or agitation, though it can also apply to emotional stress.

• The mother gently soothed her crying baby.
• A cool lotion can soothe sunburned skin.

Reassure is used when trying to remove someone's doubts or fears, providing them with confidence and certainty about something.

• He reassured his team that the project was on track.
• She needed to reassure her child that everything would be okay.

When someone is feeling deep sorrow, grief, or distress, and you want to provide emotional support to ease their suffering.

• After the funeral, she spent hours consoling her friend in her time of loss

When someone is in physical or emotional pain and you want to offer a sense of relief or make them feel better.

• He found her presence comforting when he was ill in the hospital

When someone is agitated, upset, or in physical discomfort, and you want to provide a calming effect to help relax them.

• She played soothing music to help her baby fall asleep

When someone is feeling anxious, uncertain, or fearful, and you want to provide assurance or confidence to alleviate their worries.

• The doctor's reassuring words calmed the patient before surgery