Solace is a common English word that means comfort, support or relief. It is pronounced as /ˈsɑː.ləs/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling of this word follows the standard English rules of phonetics, with the ‘o’ pronounced as a long ‘o’ sound, the ‘a’ pronounced as a short ‘a’ sound, and the ‘c’ pronounced as a hard ‘k’ sound. The ‘e’ at the end of the word is silent, as is the case with many English words.
Solace is a noun that refers to a source of comfort or consolation, particularly in times of sadness, grief, or distress. It denotes a feeling of relief or consolation that one derives from something or someone that alleviates their suffering or provides a sense of peace and tranquility. Solace often emerges through emotional support, encouragement, or empathy offered by another person, helping to mitigate feelings of loneliness or desolation.
Furthermore, solace can also manifest in activities or experiences that bring solace, such as engaging in hobbies, listening to music, immersing oneself in nature, or finding solace in literature. These actions or moments can offer a respite from the challenges and hardships of life, providing a temporary escape or a sense of inner calm. In literature and poetry, solace is often depicted as a balm for the wounded soul, assuaging pain and fostering a renewed spirit.
Solace emphasizes the transformative power of finding comfort when it is most needed, offering a respite from the emotional burdens one may bear. It embodies the idea of finding solace in moments of vulnerability, fostering emotional well-being and helping individuals navigate difficult circumstances with a renewed sense of strength and hope. Ultimately, solace represents an essential aspect of human existence, as it enables individuals to endure and recover from life's adversities, forging a path towards healing and restoration.
• That which cheers, comforts, or consoles; that which alleviates grief or anxiety; that which relieves in distress.
• To cheer; to comfort, or console; to comfort in solitude; to relieve in affliction; to soothe; to allay.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "solace" originated in the 13th century from the Old French word "solaz" or "solace", which came from the Latin word "solacium". In Latin, "solacium" means "consolation" or "comfort". The term was derived from the verb "solari", meaning "to console" or "to soothe". A related Latin term is "sōlārium", which referred to a raised porch or terrace where people found relaxation and comfort. The word eventually made its way into Middle English as "solace" and has been used since then to indicate a feeling of comfort and relief.