Consolation prize is a word often used in competitions where a participant who doesn't win the top prize is given a smaller prize. The spelling of this word is /kənˈsɒləʃən praɪz/, where the stress is on the second syllable of consolation and the first syllable of prize. The phonetic transcription of this word indicates that the first part of the word is pronounced with a short "o" sound, while the second part has a long "i" sound. This word is commonly misspelled as "consolation price" due to its similar pronunciation.
A consolation prize refers to a secondary reward or consolation received by participants who did not win the main prize or achieve their desired outcome in a competition, contest, or similar event. This term is commonly used in situations where multiple competitors are vying for a coveted victory, such as in a lottery, sports competition, or a competitive bidding process.
The purpose of a consolation prize is to offer some form of comfort or consolation to the individuals who did not emerge as winners. It serves as a way to acknowledge their effort, participation, or contribution to the event, mitigating potential disappointment and providing a small token of appreciation.
Consolation prizes can take various forms, including monetary rewards, gift cards, certificates, trophies, medals, or other symbolic gestures. These awards may not hold the same value or prestige as the primary prize, but they still aim to recognize and encourage the participants' involvement.
Consolation prizes act as a means of fostering goodwill, maintaining engagement, and preventing participants from feeling entirely disheartened or excluded. They serve as a gesture of gratitude and enable organizers to display their appreciation for the individuals' involvement and support. Ultimately, consolation prizes aim to soften the blow of defeat and uphold a sense of fairness, inclusivity, and recognition among participants.
The etymology of the word "consolation price" is as follows:
1. Consolation: The word "consolation" comes from the Latin word "consolationem", which means "a comforting, solace", and is derived from the verb "consolari", meaning "to console, to comfort". The term can be traced back to the prefix "con-" (meaning "together") and the verb "solari" (meaning "to comfort").
2. Price: The word "price" comes from the Old French word "pris", meaning "value, worth, reward", which ultimately stems from the Latin word "pretium" with the same meaning. The term "price" has retained its meaning over time.
When combined, the phrase "consolation price" refers to a reward or compensation that provides solace or comfort to individuals who did not win the main prize or achieve their desired goal.