console
UK[kənˈsəʊl]US[ˈkɑːnsoʊl]
v
to give comfort or sympathy to someone who is sad or disappointed
n
a flat surface or panel that holds the controls for electronic or mechanical equipment
n
a cabinet for a television or audio system, designed to stand on the floor
Morpheme Breakdown
con
sole
con
together
sole
comfort
Etymology
The verb 'console' originates from the Latin verb 'consōlārī', meaning "to comfort greatly, to soothe together". This was formed from the intensive prefix 'con-' and 'sōlārī', "to comfort", which itself is related to 'sōlācium', the source of the English word 'solace'. The semantic journey is direct: the act of providing comfort. The noun senses for a control panel or cabinet emerged much later in the 18th century, influenced by other uses of 'console' in architecture (for a supporting bracket), and represent a distinct, homographic development unrelated to the verb's meaning of giving solace.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + sole (comfort)
- con: from Latin 'con-', a prefix meaning "together, with". It functions as an intensifier in this word.
- sole: from Latin 'sōlārī', meaning "to comfort, soothe". It functions as the core root conveying the sense of solace.
Examples
She tried to console her friend after the loss.
The pilot checked the instruments on the console.
The vintage radio was housed in a beautiful wooden console.