Solace: meaning, definitions and examples

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solace

[ˈsɒləs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

find comfort

Solace is a feeling of comfort or consolation in a time of sadness or distress. It is the act of finding comfort or relief in a difficult situation. Solace can also refer to something that provides comfort or consolation.

Synonyms

comfort, consolation, relief, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
solace	Use when referring to emotional or spiritual comfort, often in times of sorrow or distress. She found solace in the beautiful music after her grandfather passed away. Reading books was his only solace during the difficult times.
comfort	This refers to both physical and emotional ease or well-being, often used generally for various kinds of relief and support. The warm blanket brought him comfort on the cold night. She sought comfort in her friend's reassuring words.
consolation	This is used when giving or receiving sympathy or empathy, especially after a loss or disappointment. His only consolation after losing the game was that he had tried his best. She found consolation in the letters her late husband had written her.
relief	Refers to a feeling of relaxation or alleviation of stress, pain, or anxiety, often from a specific cause. He felt immense relief when the doctor told him the surgery was successful. There was a sigh of relief when the power finally came back on.
support	This word applies to physical assistance or emotional backing, often implying ongoing aid or encouragement. Her family provided her with the support she needed to finish her studies. The brace gave his injured knee the support it needed.

Examples of usage

He found solace in the arms of his loved ones.
She sought solace in nature during her time of grief.
The music provided solace to her troubled mind.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

comfort

To solace means to give comfort or consolation to someone. It involves providing support and reassurance to help alleviate their sadness or distress.

Synonyms

comfort, console, reassure, soothe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
solace	When someone is looking for emotional support or relief from grief. It is often used in more serious or emotional situations. She found solace in her friend's company after the loss of her mother. Reading books provides him with solace during stressful times.
comfort	When providing physical or emotional ease and support to someone. It can be used in everyday situations of distress or discomfort. The mother tried to comfort her crying baby. He found comfort in the warm blankets on a cold night.
console	Used when expressing sympathy to someone who is grieving or significantly upset. It's often associated with efforts to make someone feel better emotionally. She went to console her friend after the breakup. The teacher consoled the student who failed the exam.
soothe	When calming someone who is angry, upset, or in pain. It can also refer to relieving physical discomfort. The mother soothed the baby to sleep with a lullaby. The ointment helped to soothe his sunburn.
reassure	When trying to remove someone's doubts or fears by giving them confidence or certainty. He reassured his team that they would succeed. The doctor reassured the patient that the surgery was a routine procedure.

Examples of usage

He solaced his friend by listening to her problems.
She solaced him with kind words during his difficult time.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'solace,' meaning comfort or consolation, which itself originated from Latin.
Latin 'solacium' translates to comfort, showing the deep historical roots of finding peace in tough times.
The evolution of the term reflects its consistent theme of providing comfort across centuries and languages.

Literature

The concept of solace appears in many classic works, with authors often using it to display characters' emotional journeys.
In poetry, solitude and solace are frequently linked, highlighting moments of introspection and peace.
Famous poets like John Keats and William Wordsworth often wrote about nature as a source of solace and comfort.

Psychology

In psychology, finding solace helps individuals cope with grief and emotional distress by fostering resilience.
Therapeutic practices often encourage seeking solace in mindfulness and self-care to enhance emotional well-being.
Researchers suggest that seeking solace can enhance emotional recovery, proving it’s vital for mental health.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have their own ways of seeking solace, from meditation in Buddhism to community gatherings in many indigenous cultures.
In many societies, music and art are common sources of solace, providing escape and relief from daily struggles.
Rituals and traditions often serve as communal solace, allowing people to connect and find comfort in shared experiences.

Pop Culture

Movies often portray characters finding solace in unexpected friendships or quiet moments, showing the power of connection.
The theme of finding solace is prevalent in music, with countless songs dedicated to the search for comfort in hard times.
Television shows frequently explore how characters navigate their grief, emphasizing the importance of seeking solace.

Translations

Translations of the word "solace" in other languages:

🇵🇹 consolo

🇮🇳 सांत्वना

🇩🇪 Trost

🇮🇩 penghiburan

🇺🇦 розрада

🇵🇱 pocieszenie

🇯🇵 慰め (nagusame)

🇫🇷 réconfort

🇪🇸 consuelo

🇹🇷 teselli

🇰🇷 위안 (wian)

🇸🇦 عزاء

🇨🇿 útěcha

🇸🇰 útecha

🇨🇳 安慰 (ānwèi)

🇸🇮 tolažba

🇮🇸 huggun

🇰🇿 жұбаныш

🇬🇪 ნუგეში

🇦🇿 təsəlli

🇲🇽 consuelo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,165, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15162 camped
15163 devour
15164 lick
15165 solace
15166 paraphrase
15167 ling
15168 bullying
...