solace meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

solace

noun

UK /ˈsɒl.ɪs/ · US /ˈsɑ.lɪs/

Etymology From Old French solas, from Latin sōlācium (“consolation”), root from Proto-Indo-European *selh₂- (“mercy, comfort”).

Comfort or consolation in a time of loneliness or distress.

A source of comfort or consolation.

September 25, 1750, Samuel Johnson, The Rambler The proper solaces of age are not music and compliments, but wisdom and devotion.

verb

Etymology From Old French solas, from Latin sōlācium (“consolation”), root from Proto-Indo-European *selh₂- (“mercy, comfort”).

To give solace to; comfort; cheer; console.

To allay or assuage.

To take comfort; to be cheered.

But one thing to reioyce and ſolace in, And cruell death hath catcht it from my ſight.c. 1591–1595 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Romeo and Ivliet”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene v]: