What does consolable mean?
Consolable is an adjective describing someone or something capable of being consoled — that is, able to receive comfort in a moment of sorrow, disappointment, or distress. It derives from the Latin verb consolari, meaning 'to console' or 'to comfort', joined to the suffix -able, which indicates capacity or possibility. The word is most often encountered in contrast with its far more common antonym, inconsolable: where an inconsolable mourner resists every attempt at relief, a consolable one can eventually be soothed by kind words, companionship, or time. Consolable carries a gently hopeful connotation, implying that sadness is not absolute and that human sympathy can make a difference. It appears chiefly in formal, literary, or reflective writing rather than everyday conversation. Though rare, the word rewards writers seeking precision about the depth of another person's grief.
adjectiveCapable of being consoled; able to be comforted in a time of grief or distress.
- Capable of being consoled or comforted, especially in grief or distress.
"Even in her deepest grief, she seemed consolable, accepting each kind word from friends."
"After a warm cup of tea and some gentle conversation, he was consolable at last."
"The child was upset but consolable once her mother held her close."
The word 'inconsolable' is far more common than its opposite — English speakers reach for it so often that 'consolable' barely registers, even though it's been around for centuries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of consolable
Consolable traces back to the Latin verb consolari, formed from com- ('together') and solari ('to comfort'), the same root that gives us 'solace'. It entered English via French consolable, appearing in written English by roughly the early 17th century. Its closest relative in modern usage is inconsolable, which shares the same root but has become dramatically more frequent in contemporary English.
How consolable is actually used
A formal or literary adjective used relatively rarely compared to its antonym 'inconsolable'. It typically appears when emphasizing that grief or distress is mild enough to be relieved by sympathy or comfort.
Easily confused with consolable
Inconsolable means impossible to comfort, the direct opposite of consolable, which means able to be comforted.