noun

consolation

kahn-suh-LAY-shun/ˌkɑːnsəˈleɪʃn/

Comfort or a benefit that eases loss, disappointment, or distress.

The coach offers the disappointed runner some consolation.

An older coach gently reassures a disappointed young adult runner after a lost race, hand on shoulder and listening expression, no medal or words.

Etymology

conLatinperhaps adds emphasis

+solLatinto comfort, soothe

+ationLatinaction or process

The root means “to comfort or soothe,” with con- perhaps adding emphasis. Consolation names both the act of easing grief or distress and the comfort that act provides.

In context

Jesus' Word (Apologetics)9:15

let them find comfort and consolation strength and direction that only can be given by God

Carter Conlon - Unholy Boldness

More examples

Winning the smaller prize was a consolation after losing the final.
He found consolation in familiar music.
It was little consolation that everyone else had failed too.

Forms

consolation · consolations

console verb — comfort someone in distress

Similar words

comfort: Broader; need not follow a particular loss or disappointment.
solace: Often suggests emotional comfort during sorrow or distress.