consolation
UK: ˌkɒnsəˈleɪʃən | US: ˌkɑːnsəˈleɪʃən
n. comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment
n. a source of comfort in a time of sadness or distress
The word "consolation" traces back to Latin consolatio, derived from consolari ("to comfort strongly"). The prefix con- intensifies the root sol-, which comes from solari ("to soothe"). Over time, the term evolved through Old French (consolacion) into Middle English, retaining its core meaning of emotional comfort. The morpheme sol- also appears in "solace," reinforcing the idea of relief from sorrow.
She found consolation in her friends' kind words after the loss.
The letter served as a consolation during his lonely days abroad.
Music was his only consolation in times of stress.
The team's victory offered little consolation to their injured captain.
Her apology brought some consolation to the disappointed audience.