Consolation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən/ con·so·la·tion

Meaning & Definition of Consolation

Consolation (noun)

  1. the act or an instance of consoling, the state of being consoled, comfort
  2. something that consoles; specifically, a contest held for those who have lost early in a tournament

Consolation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the giving of hope and strength in times of grief, distress, or suffering

    "the consolation of the grieving family by their pastor"

    similar: comforting, consoling, reassurance, solace, solacing
    related: commiseration, compassion, condolence, feeling, sympathy, counseling, humanity, kindheartedness, kindliness, kindness, mercy, pity

  2. a feeling of ease from grief or trouble

    "the consolation that our favorite foods give us when we're having a bad day"

    similar: cheer, comfort, relief, solace
    related: encouragement, inspiration, uplift, assurance, reassurance, alleviation, assuagement, mitigation, contentment, gladness, happiness, commiseration, empathy, sympathy, aid, assistance, help, succor
    near: anguish, distress, heartache, heartbreak, torment, torture

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Consolation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Consolation:

comforting, consoling, reassurance, solace, solacing, cheer, comfort, relief

Related Words for Consolation

commiseration, compassion, condolence, feeling, sympathy, counseling, humanity, kindheartedness, kindliness, kindness, mercy, pity, encouragement, inspiration, uplift, assurance, alleviation, assuagement, mitigation, contentment, gladness, happiness, empathy, aid, assistance, help, succor

Near Antonyms of Consolation

anguish, distress, heartache, heartbreak, torment, torture

Word Forms of Consolation

Derived words: consolatory (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Consolation

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Consolation

consolation prize, if it's any consolation

Frequently Asked Questions about Consolation

What does "Consolation" mean?

"Consolation" means the act or an instance of consoling, the state of being consoled, comfort. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or an instance of consoling, the state of being consoled, comfort. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Consolation"?

Other words for "Consolation" include comforting, consoling, reassurance, solace, solacing, cheer, comfort and relief. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Consolation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Consolation"?

There are 35 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Consolation". Common alternatives include comforting, consoling, reassurance, solace, solacing, cheer, comfort and relief.

How do you use "Consolation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Consolation" in a sentence: "the consolation of the grieving family by their pastor"; "the consolation that our favorite foods give us when we're having a bad day".

Is "Consolation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Consolation" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Consolation"?

"Consolation" is pronounced /ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən/ and divided into syllables as con·so·la·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Consolation"?

First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Consolation" meaning "the giving of hope and strength in times of grief, distress, or suffering"?

When "Consolation" (noun) means the giving of hope and strength in times of grief, distress, or suffering, synonyms include comforting, consoling, reassurance, solace and solacing.