Consolation
/ˌkɒn.səˈleɪ.ʃən/
Meaning & Definition
noun
Comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment.
After losing the match, her teammates offered their consolation to lift her spirits.
Something that provides comfort or relief.
The warm cup of tea was a small consolation on a cold, rainy day.
A prize awarded to a runner-up in a competition.
He was pleased to receive a consolation prize after finishing second in the contest.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from Latin 'consolatio', from 'consolari' meaning 'to comfort'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
a consolation prize
A prize awarded to someone who does not win but participates.
find consolation in
To derive comfort from a source after a loss.
as a consolation
In a way that provides comfort following disappointment.
Related Words
console
To comfort someone in grief or disappointment.
solace
Comfort or consolation in a time of grief or disappointment.
Slang Meanings
Crying on someone's shoulder.
After the breakup, she just needed a little consolation from her friends.
It's okay, at least you tried.
He didn’t win the game, but the coach said, 'Here’s a consolation for trying your best.'