comfort
KUHM-fuht
Comfort (noun) means a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or worry. Example: “After the long hike, the comfort of a warm bed felt incredible.”
noun
1
A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or worry.
"After the long hike, the comfort of a warm bed felt incredible."
"The soft sofa and a mug of tea gave her a feeling of real comfort."
"Many people value comfort over style when choosing shoes for work."
2
Relief from grief, distress, or anxiety, or something that provides it.
"Her friends offered comfort after the funeral."
"His quiet words were a great comfort to her during the long wait."
"It was a comfort to know that someone would be there to help."
verb
1
To ease someone's distress or grief; to console.
"He tried to comfort the crying child."
"She comforted herself with the thought that things would improve."
"She put an arm around her sister to comfort her after the bad news."
How to use comfort
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPhysical ease, or the emotional relief someone gives you when you're upset.
Common pairings
creature comforts
comfort someone
comfort food
source of comfort
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like comfort.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- comforts
- Third person singular
- comforts
- Past tense
- comforted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
After the long hike, the _____ of a warm bed felt incredible.
Etymology
From Old French confort, ultimately from Late Latin confortare ("to strengthen greatly"). It gradually replaced the older Old English word frofor.
Synonyms
View more →
ease
coziness
contentment
relaxation
well-being
snugness
comfortableness
console
solace
soothe
besoothe
cheer
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for comfort
See all rhymes for comfort →Frequently asked questions
What does “comfort” mean?
The word “comfort” means a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or worry. In plain terms, physical ease, or the emotional relief someone gives you when you're upset.
How do you pronounce “comfort”?
“Comfort” is pronounced KUHM-fuht (/ˈkʌm.fɚt/ in IPA).
How do you use “comfort” in a sentence?
Here is “comfort” used in a sentence: “After the long hike, the comfort of a warm bed felt incredible.”
What is another word for “comfort”?
Words with a similar meaning to “comfort” include besoothe, cheer, console, solace and soothe.
What is the opposite of “comfort”?
The opposite of “comfort” — its antonyms — are hurt and vex.
What part of speech is “comfort”?
Depending on how it is used, “comfort” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “comfort” come from?
The word “comfort” comes from Late Latin. From Old French confort, ultimately from Late Latin confortare ("to strengthen greatly"). It gradually replaced the older Old English word frofor.
Is “comfort” a common word?
“Comfort” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between comfort and comfortable?
Comfort is a noun naming the state of physical ease and freedom from pain or worry, while comfortable is the adjective describing something that provides or feels that ease. A chair gives you comfort; the chair itself is comfortable. Comfort can also work as a verb, meaning to soothe or console someone.
What are the different types of comfort?
Comfort comes in several forms. Physical comfort is bodily ease — warmth, rest, and an absence of pain. Emotional comfort is reassurance and calm during distress. Material comfort refers to the possessions and conditions that make life easy. The word covers both the feeling itself and the things that create it.
Can comfort be used as a verb?
Yes. As a verb, to comfort someone means to ease their grief, worry, or distress by offering warmth, reassurance, or kindness. You might comfort a crying child or a grieving friend. The noun names the state of ease, while the verb names the act of giving that ease to another person.
What is the opposite of comfort?
The main opposite is discomfort — a state of physical unease, mild pain, or awkwardness. Depending on the sense, other antonyms include distress, hardship, and suffering. Where comfort suggests warmth and ease, its opposites point to strain, tension, or difficulty, whether in the body, the surroundings, or the emotions.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include comfort:
