consolation
kon-suh-LAY-shuhn
Consolation (noun) means Comfort given to someone after a loss, disappointment, or sadness. Example: “It was little consolation to know they had tried their best.”
noun
1
Comfort given to someone after a loss, disappointment, or sadness.
"It was little consolation to know they had tried their best."
"Her friends offered consolation after the breakup."
2
A prize given to someone who did not win the main competition.
"The runner-up received a consolation prize."
How to use consolation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishComfort after a disappointment, or a minor prize for someone who didn't win outright.
Common pairings
consolation prize
small consolation
cold consolation
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Word forms
- Plural
- consolations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was little _____ to know they had tried their best.
Etymology
From Old French consolacion, from Latin consolatio, built on consolari, "to comfort" — con- plus solari, "to soothe."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for consolation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for consolation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “consolation” mean?
The word “consolation” means comfort given to someone after a loss, disappointment, or sadness. In plain terms, comfort after a disappointment, or a minor prize for someone who didn't win outright.
How do you pronounce “consolation”?
“Consolation” is pronounced kon-suh-LAY-shuhn (/ˌkɑn.səˈleɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “consolation” in a sentence?
Here is “consolation” used in a sentence: “It was little consolation to know they had tried their best.”
What is another word for “consolation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “consolation” include alleviation, comfort, ease, liss, release and relief.
What is the opposite of “consolation”?
The opposite of “consolation” — its antonyms — are distress and vexation.
What part of speech is “consolation”?
“Consolation” is a noun.
Where does the word “consolation” come from?
The word “consolation” comes from Latin. From Old French consolacion, from Latin consolatio, built on consolari, "to comfort" — con- plus solari, "to soothe.".
Is “consolation” a common word?
“Consolation” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "consolation" and "condolence"?
Consolation refers to the comfort itself given to someone after a loss, disappointment, or sadness, and can apply to everyday setbacks as well as grief. Condolence more narrowly refers to an expression of sympathy specifically about a death. You offer condolences after a bereavement, but consolation can follow any disappointing outcome.
What is a "consolation prize"?
A consolation prize is a small reward given to someone who competed but did not win the main competition, using the second sense of the word. It is meant to soften the disappointment of not winning the top prize.
Is "consolation" used in formal contexts?
Yes, "consolation" works comfortably in both formal and everyday speech, from formal letters offering comfort after a loss to casual remarks about a small consolation prize. Its tone shifts with context rather than being restricted to one register.
