noun
consolation
kon-suh-LAY-shuhn
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
Word Forms
consolations plural
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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."