Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense consoles, present participle consoling, past tense, past participle consoledpronunciation note: The verb is pronounced (kənsoʊl). The noun is pronounced (kɒnsoʊl).
1. verb
If you console someone who is unhappy about something, you try to make them feel more cheerful.
'Never mind, Ned,' he consoled me. [VERB with quote]
Often they cry, and I have to play the role of a mother, consoling them. [VERB noun]
He will have to console himself by reading about the success of his compatriots. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]
I can console myself with the fact that I'm not alone. [VERB pronoun-reflexive + with]
He consoled himself that Emmanuel looked like a nice boy, who could be a good playmatefor his daughter. [V pron-refl that]
[Also V pron-refl + for]
Synonyms: comfort, cheer, relieve, soothe More Synonyms of console
consolinggraded adjective
It is not a consoling thought to Germans to see that Americans have the same kindof problem, too.
The only consolation for the Scottish theatre community is that they look likelyto get another chance. [+ for]
He knew then he was right, but it was no consolation.
Synonyms: comfort, help, support, relief More Synonyms of console
2. countable noun
A console is a panel with a number of switches or knobs that is used to operate a machine.
console in British English1
(kənˈsəʊl)
verb
to serve as a source of comfort to (someone) in disappointment, loss, sadness, etc
Derived forms
consolable (conˈsolable)
adjective
consoler (conˈsoler)
noun
consolingly (conˈsolingly)
adverb
Word origin
C17: from Latin consōlārī, from sōlārī to comfort; see solace
console in British English2
(ˈkɒnsəʊl)
noun
1.
an ornamental bracket, esp one used to support a wall fixture, bust, etc
2.
the part of an organ comprising the manuals, pedals, stops, etc
3.
a unit on which the controls of an electronic system are mounted
4. same as games console
5.
a cabinet for a television, gramophone, etc, designed to stand on the floor
6. console table
Word origin
C18: from French, shortened from Old French consolateur one that provides support, hence, supporting bracket, from Latin consōlātor a comforter; see console1
console in American English1
(kənˈsoʊl)
verb transitiveWord forms: conˈsoled or conˈsoling
to make feel less sad or disappointed; comfort
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈcomfort
Derived forms
consolable (conˈsolable)
adjective
consolingly (conˈsolingly)
adverb
Word origin
Fr consoler < L consolari < com-, with + solari, to comfort, solace
console in American English2
(ˈkɑnˌsoʊl)
noun
1.
an ornamental bracket for supporting a shelf, bust, cornice, etc.
2.
console table
3.
the desklike frame containing the keys, stops, pedals, and other controls of an organ
4.
a radio, television, or phonograph cabinet designed to stand on the floor
5. US
an instrument panel or unit, containing gauges and the controls for operating aircraft, automobiles, computers, and other electrical or electronic systems
6.
a raised portion between bucket seats in an automobile, containing storage compartments, switches and controls, etc.
Word origin
Fr, prob. contr. < consolateur, lit., one who consoles (see console1); name for carved figures supporting cornices or as rails in choir stalls (sensedevelopment analogous to , sense misericord (sense 2))
Examples of 'console' in a sentence
console
It not only builds fridges and games consoles but also the apartments to put them in.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He used a smuggled phone to link the games console to the web.
The Sun (2016)
I'm talking about your games console.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
A console or game from 30 years ago may be lovingly remembered when in fact it was far from great.
The Sun (2016)
He grabbed his gaming console and walked out.
The Sun (2015)
He wants to see them off their games consoles and playing outdoors.
The Sun (2012)
Aluminium trim on the centre console and doors adds further sparkle.
The Sun (2006)
Losing count of the learning aids available for your handheld console?
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Two large lamps stand on a console table behind one sofa.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
But playing sports consoles is just another reason to stay at home in your pyjamas.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The table console doubles up as a personalised checkout.
Joanna Blythman SHOPPED: The Shocking Power of British Supermarkets (2004)
When a new console came out he had to have it.
The Sun (2010)
But this really is the console to play it on.
The Sun (2007)
Then she got over it and was the one consoling the people who visited her.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
This is understandable when you think we are less than a month away from the new consoles.
The Sun (2013)
So why buy a handheld console?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Sailors are free to play games on the console as well as study after naval chiefs decided against disabling its disc drive.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The bestselling items were gaming consoles, tables and computers.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The seats are connected to the centre console to make them look as though they're floating.
The Sun (2011)
These guys ring each other and console or support each other in a way only 19 others know how.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
For the pricy console games to survive, they need to engage the feelings of a wider audience through storytelling.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Place it so the front is exposed or conceal the contents by turning it around, making it look like a console.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
But the mock aluminium centre console still looks a bit bland and overall the quality is not as good as the Golf.
The Sun (2011)
Researchers said this was because youngsters now spent more time playing inside on gaming consoles, rather than being outside on the streets.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He did much to promote organ music, and his distinctive personality and formidable technique will be greatly missed at the consoles of the organ world.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
I am consoled by the thought that we can't be on such bad terms as she really does seem to want me at her wedding.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
A console table, bench, mirror and clothes hangers are also available.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Quotations
Isn't everyone consoled when faced with a trouble or fact he doesn't understand, by a word, some simple word, which tells us nothing and yet calms us?Luigi PirandelloSix Characters in Search of an Author
Anything that consoles is fakeIris MurdochPrayer and the Pursuit of Happiness
Word lists with
console
cupboard
In other languages
console
British English: console VERB
If you console someone who is unhappy about something, you try to make them feel more cheerful.
Never mind,' he consoled me.
American English: console
Brazilian Portuguese: consolar
Chinese: 安慰
European Spanish: consolar
French: consoler
German: trösten
Italian: consolare
Japanese: 慰める
Korean: 위로하다
European Portuguese: consolar
Latin American Spanish: consolar
Chinese translation of 'console'
console
(vbkənˈsəul; nˈkɔnsəul)
vt
安慰 (ānwèi)
n(c)
操纵(縱)台(臺) (cāozòng tái)
(verb)
Definition
to comfort (someone) in sadness or distress
I can console myself with the thought that I'm not alone.
Synonyms
comfort
He put his arm round her, trying to comfort her.
cheer
The people around him were cheered by his presence.
relieve
Drugs can relieve much of the pain.
soothe
He would take her in his arms and soothe her.
support
encourage
When things aren't going well, he always encourages me.
calm
She took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
solace
They solaced themselves with their fan mail.
assuage
She was trying to assuage her guilt.
succour
The money would be used to succour evicted families.
express sympathy for
Opposites
trouble
,
hurt
, upset,
distress
,
annoy
,
discomfort
, torment,
hassle (informal)
,
aggravate (informal)
,
agitate
,
sadden
,
give someone grief
Quotations
Isn't everyone consoled when faced with a trouble or fact he doesn't understand, by a word, some simple word, which tells us nothing and yet calms us? [Luigi Pirandello – Six Characters in Search of an Author]Anything that consoles is fake [Iris Murdoch – Prayer and the Pursuit of Happiness]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of assuage
Definition
to relieve (grief, pain, or thirst)
She was trying to assuage her guilt.
Synonyms
relieve,
ease,
calm,
moderate,
temper,
soothe,
lessen,
alleviate,
lighten,
allay,
mitigate,
quench,
palliate
in the sense of calm
Definition
to make or become calm
She took a deep breath to calm her nerves.
Synonyms
soothe,
settle,
quiet,
relax,
appease,
still,
allay,
assuage,
quieten
in the sense of cheer
The people around him were cheered by his presence.