consolation
UK[ˌkɒnsəˈleɪʃn]US[ˌkɑːnsəˈleɪʃn]
n
comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment.
n
a person or thing that provides comfort in a time of sadness or disappointment.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
sol
ation
con
together
sol
comfort
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'consolation' originates from the Latin 'consolatio', which is derived from the verb 'consolari', meaning "to comfort strongly". This verb itself is a composite of the intensive prefix 'con-' (with, together) and 'solari' (to soothe, comfort). The root 'solari' is thought to be related to the Proto-Indo-European root selh₂-, meaning "to take, grasp, or be favorable", hinting at the concept of taking someone under one's care. Over time, the literal sense of actively providing solace evolved into the modern abstract noun denoting the comfort itself or the source providing it, capturing the essence of shared solace in times of distress.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + sol (comfort) + ation (noun suffix)
- con: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "together, with".
- sol: Latin origin, from the root of 'solari' meaning "to comfort, console".
- ation: Latin origin, a suffix forming nouns of action or state.
Examples
The children were a great consolation to her after her husband's death.
Finishing third was little consolation for the team, who had expected to win.
If it's any consolation, everyone thought you gave a wonderful speech.