consolation

noun

con·​so·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce consolation (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled : comfort
She found great consolation in all the cards and letters she received.
2
: something that consoles
specifically : a contest held for those who have lost early in a tournament
consolatory adjective

Examples of consolation in a Sentence

His kind words were a consolation to me. the consolation of the grieving family by their pastor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As consolation to its shooters, the Stugna-P has a remote-launch function. David Axe, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 In this brand of rugby, teams of seven players compete in short, 14-minute knockout matches leading to semifinals, consolation and championship rounds. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2024 The della Robbia family produced so many tender terra-cottas of Madonnas and angels offering gentleness and consolation to others in the face of the cruelty of life, but this one suffered such cruelty itself, because it was burned in a fire in Berlin in 1945. Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 Then, when Messi ended up missing the game in Vancouver, the Whitecaps offered fans a complementary future ticket as a consolation. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consolation 

Word History

Etymology

see console entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of consolation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near consolation

Cite this Entry

“Consolation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consolation. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

consolation

noun
con·​so·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce consolation (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of consoling : the state of being consoled
2
: something that consoles
consolatory
kən-ˈsōl-ə-ˌtōr-ē
-sä-lə-
-ˌtȯr-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on consolation

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