Solace means comfort or consolation given or received in a time of grief, loneliness or distress. It can name the comforting feeling itself, as in she found solace in her family, or describe the act of providing that comfort to someone who is hurting.
Solace as a noun
Most often, solace is a noun referring to relief from sorrow. People speak of finding solace in music, in nature, in faith or in the company of friends. In each case, solace is the sense of ease that softens pain without necessarily removing its cause.
Solace as a verb
Less commonly, solace works as a verb meaning to comfort or console. You might read that a friend tried to solace the grieving family. In this use, the focus shifts to the act of offering comfort rather than the comfort received.
How it differs from happiness
Solace is not the same as joy. It does not promise that everything is fine; rather, it offers a measure of peace in the middle of difficulty. That is why the word so often appears alongside loss, hardship and grief, where full happiness may not yet be possible but comfort still is.
Origin
Solace entered English in the 1300s through Old French, and its roots reach back to the Latin solari, meaning to console or comfort. The same Latin family gives us console and consolation, which share the core idea of easing another person’s sorrow.
Example sentences
She took solace in long walks by the sea. The volunteers offered solace to those who had lost their homes. There was little solace in the news, but at least it was honest. Each sentence shows solace as gentle comfort rather than outright cheer, which is the heart of the word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does solace mean?
It means comfort or consolation in a time of grief, loneliness or distress.
Can solace be a verb?
Yes. To solace someone means to comfort or console them.
How is solace used in a sentence?
For example, after the loss she found solace in the support of close friends.
Where does the word solace come from?
It entered English in the 1300s from Old French and traces back to Latin solari, meaning to console.
What words are related to solace?
Console and consolation are close relatives, sharing the same idea of easing sorrow.