Did your partner tell you they take solace in your arms? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression 'solace' means a place of refuge where you can alleviate the stress and anxiety bothering you. You could take solace in many things, from your partner to your home, your pets, or the TV. People seek solace when they are feeling depressed, anxious, or sad.
You're looking for an emotional connection if you rely on someone for solace. If you turn to your home or car for solace, you're looking for peace and quiet. If you turn to your pets for solace, you're looking for companionship.
You can turn to someone for solace when grieving a loss or feeling confused about something in your life. Solace describes a way of attaining peace when feeling anxious, frustrated, angry, or sad.
Example Usage
“It’s sad when the only solace you have in this world is a beer and a pizza on a Friday night. I need to do more with my time.”
“I take solace in the fact that she knows what she’s doing with this. I’m comfortable with placing the responsibility in her hands.”
“The only solace offered by the beating desert was a lonely palm tree. The travelers escaped the heat and the beating sun in the shade of its fronds.”
“Alcohol is my solace. I use it to drown out the anxiety and depression I feel in life. My doctor told me I need a better strategy.”
“I find solace in the arms of my family and friends. I know I can rely on them when things start to go wrong in life.”
“This place offers solace from the dangerous world outside. Here, you don’t have to worry about anything. You have everything you want on call.”
“I take solace in my drive to work. It’s the only time of the day I have to be alone with my thoughts.”
“I take solace in the little things in my life, like having a warm shower or eating a good meal.”
“We find solace in our family in times of strife. When days get dark, you truly understand who is by your side.”
“I take solace in my pet when I feel down. She always perks me up. Dogs are always happy, and they love unconditionally.”
Origin
The expression ‘solace’ originates from the Anglo-French relationship in the 14th century. The word derives from the Latin word, ‘solacium,’ which derives from the Latin verb, ‘solari,’ meaning ‘console.’ Solari also acts as the source word for the English terms ‘console’ and ‘consolation.’
Solace can act as a noun and a verb. The nouns ‘solacement’ ( an act of solacing someone) and ‘solacer’ (the person who solaces the other). Language experts are unsure who coined the term in English or when it first appeared in the English Lexicon.
Phrases Similar to Solace
- Comfort.
- Peace.
- Tranquility.
Phrases Opposite to Solace
- Agitate.
- Aggravate.
- Distress.
- Anxiety.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Solace.
Ways People May Say Solace Incorrectly
The term ‘solace’ has nothing to do with the sun or solar radiation. It describes a sense of peace and tranquility that alleviates feelings of pressure and anxiety.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Solace
You can use the term ‘solace’ to describe the alleviation of stress or anxiety. The word suits social and professional use. For instance, at work, you could say you find solace in the fact that management has everything under control. At home, you could say you find solace in your partner helping you through the problems in your life.
The term ‘solace’ suits text-based conversations and verbal exchanges. You can use ‘solace’ to describe a sense of refuge and peace, away from the chaos in your life. If something offers you solace, it creates an inner peace within you. You could describe your home as a place of solace, your car, a person, or a pet.