solace

USAGE SUMMARY

"solace" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to comfort in times of distress, or as a verb to mean to comfort or console someone. Example: Losing her job was a difficult time, but thankfully her friends were able to solace her with kind words and encouraging hugs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now he will be hoping that promotion for his beloved Norwich FC will provide solace for a crushing and very personal defeat.

The Guardian

Durkan could, as Tom Kelly argued earlier this year, find solace in a bigger, more professional club called Fianna Fail, where he can make a comeback in the green, white and gold colours of the Irish Republic's official 'Republican Party'.

The Guardian

Weaken any of them and you risk driving bewildered voters into the clutches of tub-thumping nationalists of one colour or another for solace and solidarity: Ukip, SNP or "English-nationalist light" Tories.

The Guardian

I can relate to people that go to church regularly, to a place of worship, where you can get away from your life and listen to extremely slow, repetitive music, to give yourself some solace and engage with ideas that aren't superficial or to do with day-to-day goals and ambitions.

The Guardian - Music

Shaded by rows of oak and poplar trees, they form not only the place of peaceful interment for hundreds, but one of contemplation and reflection for anyone seeking solace and solitude.

The Guardian

On the rollercoaster ride that is the debt-stricken country's epic battle to stay afloat, many had hoped that Syriza would also provide solace.

The Guardian

A sign of solace may have come on Wednesday, when Greece made a €200m repayment to the International Monetary Fund, ahead of a meeting of the eurozone finance ministers on Monday – although this doesn't mean a breakthrough is imminent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Berlusconi, meanwhile, owner of Italy's three biggest private television channels, sought solace in the arms of Francesca Pascale, a former television showgirl famed for co-singing a ditty with the memorable catchphrase: "If you show a bit of thigh, the ratings go up".

The Guardian

You might not think of nightclub DJs as sources of spiritual wisdom, but you'd be wrong, because one once told me a secret about playing to an empty room that has brought me great solace in life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Since she began helping other bereaved families, Harriet has seen many others find similar solace.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unlike Hayes, he won't get a farewell game and though he probably avoids Googling or Twitter-searching his own name anyway, I guess he'll just take solace in the universal respect of every team-mate he's ever played with and go home to look at that Premiership medal every day of his life.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "solace", consider the emotional intensity you want to convey. It suggests a deep sense of comfort during times of significant distress, so ensure it aligns with the context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "solace" in situations where simple comfort or mild relief is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "solace" is as a noun, referring to comfort or consolation in times of distress. It can also function as a verb, meaning to comfort or console. Ludwig AI confirms the word's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solace" is a versatile word primarily used as a noun to denote comfort during times of distress. It can also function as a verb, meaning to console. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards formality. When using "solace", be mindful of the emotional intensity you wish to convey, ensuring it accurately reflects the context of your writing. Ludwig's examples provide a practical understanding of its usage across different situations, offering writers clarity on how to effectively incorporate "solace" into their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comfort in distress

Emphasizes the presence of comfort specifically during times of distress.

a source of comfort

Highlights the origin or provider of comfort.

relief from sorrow

Highlights the alleviation of sorrow or grief.

consolation in grief

Focuses on providing comfort to someone who is grieving.

easing pain

Highlights the reduction of physical or emotional pain.

finding peace

Suggests a state of tranquility and inner calm as a source of comfort.

alleviating suffering

Focuses on the act of reducing or easing suffering.

offering reassurance

Emphasizes providing confidence and certainty to alleviate worry.

emotional support

Indicates assistance and encouragement during emotional hardship.

moral support

Describes the act of providing encouragement and a sense of strength during a difficult time.

FAQs

How can I use "solace" in a sentence?

"Solace" can be used as a noun to describe comfort or consolation in times of distress. For example, "She found "solace in music" after a difficult day."

What are some synonyms for "solace"?

Synonyms for "solace" include "comfort", "consolation", "relief", and "support". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "solace" a formal or informal word?

"Solace" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. It's appropriate for both written and spoken English, but is more common in formal contexts like news or literature.

What's the difference between "solace" and "sympathy"?

"Sympathy" is understanding and acknowledging another person's suffering, while "solace" is actively providing comfort or relief from that suffering. You might offer sympathy, hoping it provides "solace".