What does solace mean?
Solace means comfort, consolation, or relief in a time of sorrow, anxiety, grief, or other distress. It often suggests emotional support that allows someone to endure a difficult experience, rather than merely solving the practical problems involved. The noun is commonly used with phrases such as “find solace in” and “a source of solace,” while the verb “to solace” describes the act of comforting or relieving a distressed person. Although the word occurs in everyday English, it has a somewhat formal and literary tone, making it especially appropriate for writing about grief, hardship, loss, or emotional recovery. Solace is also used metaphorically for activities that provide mental or spiritual relief, such as music, art, nature, prayer, or familiar routines. Its distinctive contribution is to express the importance of comfort and emotional reassurance during difficult periods.
Comfort or consolation in a time of grief or distress.
"The support of her family was a great solace during the crisis."
Often used abstractly for emotional or spiritual comfort, though it can also be countable with “a” or “solaces.”
To comfort or relieve someone who is grieving, sorrowful, or distressed.
"She hoped the familiar music would solace her brother."
Transitive; more literary and less common than the verb console in contemporary usage.
The usual collective usage is uncountable, but solace can also be countable in the sense of a particular source of comfort.
"Her evening walks became precious solaces during the long winter."
Solace and console are linguistic relatives: one promises comfort, while the other performs the act of comforting.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does solace come from?
The English noun entered through Old French solas, meaning “comfort” or “consolation,” from Latin solacium. The verb developed through Old French forms connected with the same Latin family, including consolari, “to console.” English cognates include console, consolation, and consoling; the uncommon adjective solacious also means comforting or consoling.
Related word forms
How solace is actually used
Solace has a formal, literary character and conveys emotional support that is deep and enduring. The noun can be used as an uncountable concept (“a sense of solace”) or as a countable noun (“a solace in difficult times”); the verb is transitive and is more literary in modern usage.