Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Soothe: meaning, definitions and examples

🌿
Add to dictionary

soothe

 

[suːð ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

calming effect

To calm or relieve pain or distress. To alleviate or reduce feelings of discomfort or anxiety.

Synonyms

comfort, ease, pacify, relieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
soothe

This word is typically used to describe the act of calming someone who is upset or to alleviate pain or discomfort. Common in situations involving physical or emotional distress.

  • The mother soothed her crying baby.
  • The lotion helped to soothe his sunburn.
comfort

Comfort is often used when providing emotional support or reassurance to someone in distress, grief, or sadness. It implies a deeper emotional connection and support.

  • She comforted her friend after the loss of a pet.
  • A cozy blanket can comfort you on a cold night.
relieve

Relieve is used to describe the act of removing or reducing pain, stress, or discomfort. It often refers to physical relief but can also apply to emotional or mental states.

  • The painkillers relieved his back pain.
  • She felt relieved after finishing her exams.
pacify

Pacify generally implies calming someone who is angry, agitated, or upset. It is often used in contexts where there was a conflict or strong emotional reaction. It can have a slightly negative connotation if it suggests suppressing someone's feelings rather than addressing them.

  • The parents tried to pacify the screaming child.
  • He gave her flowers to pacify her after the argument.
ease

This word is used to describe the act of making a situation less difficult or severe. It can refer to reducing pain, stress, or hardship. It is more general and can apply to a wide range of situations.

  • He took medicine to ease his headache.
  • Her words eased my fears.

Examples of usage

  • Listening to soft music can soothe a crying baby.
  • The warm tea helped soothe her sore throat.
  • After a long day at work, a hot bath can soothe tired muscles.
Context #2 | Verb

reassuring effect

To reassure or comfort someone who is upset or distressed. To provide emotional support in a calming manner.

Synonyms

console, encourage, reassure, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
soothe

This word is often used when trying to calm someone who is upset, in pain, or stressed.

  • She gently soothed the crying baby.
  • His words helped to soothe her anxiety.
console

Use this word when giving comfort to someone who is grieving or saddened by a loss. Typically involves emotional support.

  • She tried to console her friend after the breakup.
  • He consoled her with kind words after the funeral.
reassure

This word is suitable when you need to make someone feel less worried or fearful, often by confirming that things will be okay.

  • She reassured him that he was going to be fine before the surgery.
  • He reassured his daughter that monsters are not real.
support

Use this word when offering assistance, whether emotional, financial, or practical, in a broader sense.

  • Her family supported her through the tough times.
  • He provided financial support for his friend's new business venture.
encourage

This word fits when you want to give someone confidence or motivate them to do something or to keep going.

  • Her teacher encouraged her to pursue a career in writing.
  • He encouraged his team to keep striving for success despite the setbacks.

Examples of usage

  • Her gentle words helped soothe his worries.
  • She tried to soothe her friend after the breakup.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from Old English 'sōthian,' which means 'to make true or real.'
  • Over the centuries, it evolved to represent the idea of easing pain or distress.

Psychology

  • Soothing techniques, such as deep breathing, can reduce anxiety and create a sense of calm.
  • Sounds like gentle music or nature sounds are often used in therapies to soothe stress.

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, the act of soothing can be through rituals, such as singing lullabies to children.
  • Meditation practices globally usually focus on soothing the mind and body to achieve peace.

Literature

  • The theme of soothing others is frequently found in poetry, symbolizing love and comfort.
  • In fairytales, magical creatures often soothe troubled characters, illustrating the power of kindness.

Science

  • Research shows that physical touch, like a gentle hug, can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of comfort.
  • Certain colors in a room, like soft blues and greens, are scientifically proven to create a soothing environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "soothe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acalmar

🇮🇳 शांत करना

🇩🇪 beruhigen

🇮🇩 menenangkan

🇺🇦 заспокоювати

🇵🇱 uspokajać

🇯🇵 和らげる (やわらげる)

🇫🇷 apaiser

🇪🇸 calmar

🇹🇷 yatıştırmak

🇰🇷 진정시키다

🇸🇦 يهدئ

🇨🇿 uklidnit

🇸🇰 upokojiť

🇨🇳 安抚 (ān fǔ)

🇸🇮 pomiriti

🇮🇸 róa

🇰🇿 тыныштандыру

🇬🇪 დამშვიდება

🇦🇿 sakitləşdirmək

🇲🇽 calmar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,648, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.