COMFORT

Definition of COMFORT

COMFORT Noun and Verb

Comfort is a noun and a verb that refers to the state of physical ease and freedom from pain or distress, as well as the act of providing solace or relief. As a noun, it denotes the state of being comfortable or the means of providing ease, while as a verb, it describes the action of alleviating distress or providing consolation.

COMFORT as a noun

Physical Ease: Comfort as a noun refers to a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or distress. For example, “The new mattress provided exceptional comfort during sleep.” This usage highlights how comfort relates to physical well-being and relaxation.

Emotional or Psychological Relief: In a broader sense, comfort can also denote emotional or psychological relief. For instance, “She found comfort in talking to her friends during difficult times.” This reflects how comfort can be a source of emotional support and reassurance.

Means of Providing Ease: Comfort can describe something that provides ease or relief, such as an object or a situation. For example, “The heated blanket was a great comfort on a cold night.” This emphasizes how certain items or conditions contribute to a sense of comfort.

COMFORT as a verb

Providing Solace: When used as a verb, comfort involves the action of providing solace or relief to someone. For example, “He comforted her after the loss of her pet.” This usage emphasizes the role of comforting in alleviating distress and offering support.

Alleviating Distress: Comfort as a verb also means to alleviate physical or emotional distress. For instance, “The nurse comforted the patient with kind words and gentle care.” This reflects the action of reducing suffering or discomfort through supportive actions.

Offering Reassurance: To comfort can involve offering reassurance or encouragement to someone in distress. For example, “She comforted her colleague by assuring him that the project would be completed on time.” This highlights the role of providing reassurance and encouragement.

Enhancing Well-being: Comfort can also describe actions aimed at enhancing overall well-being. For example, “He comforted the injured player with a comforting touch and words of encouragement.” This emphasizes how comforting actions contribute to physical and emotional well-being.

In conclusion, comfort encompasses both noun and verb forms related to providing ease, relief, and support. As a noun, it refers to physical ease, emotional relief, or the means of providing such states. As a verb, it involves actions aimed at alleviating distress and offering solace. Understanding comfort helps in appreciating how it impacts physical and emotional well-being, and the role it plays in providing relief and support.

Examples of COMFORT in a sentence

COMFORT as a noun in a sentence

  • The plush chair provided great comfort after a long day at work.
  • She sought comfort in her friends and family during a difficult time.
  • The hotel room was designed with comfort in mind, featuring a king-sized bed and luxurious amenities.
  • He found comfort in the familiar routine of his daily life.
  • The soft blanket added an extra layer of comfort to the chilly evening.
  • The therapist offered words of comfort to help her cope with the loss.
  • The comfort of the well-cushioned sofa made it the perfect place to relax.
  • They added extra comfort features to the car, such as heated seats and a premium sound system.

COMFORT as a verb in a sentence

  • She tried to comfort her friend by listening and offering support during the tough times.
  • The mother gently comforted her child after the frightening nightmare.
  • He attempted to comfort the grieving family with his kind words and presence.
  • The soft music was intended to comfort the patients in the waiting room.
  • She found it difficult to comfort herself after hearing the disappointing news.
  • The warm cup of tea helped to comfort him on the cold, rainy day.
  • The nurse worked to comfort the elderly residents with a friendly smile and caring touch.
  • They designed the room to comfort guests, making it a cozy and inviting space.

Origin of COMFORT

Comfort traces its origins to the Latin word comfortare, meaning “to strengthen” or “to console,” derived from com- (together) and fortis (strong). This term evolved into Old French as conforter, meaning “to strengthen” or “to comfort,” and entered Middle English as comforten or comfort.

  • Latin: Comfortare (to strengthen, to console), from com- (together) and fortis (strong).
  • Latin: Comfortare combined com- (together) with fortis (strong), reflecting the idea of strengthening or providing support.
  • Old French: Conforter evolved to mean providing solace or consolation, maintaining the sense of strengthening or comforting.
  • Middle English: Comforten or comfort adopted the meaning of providing solace, relief, or consolation.

In contemporary English, comfort refers to a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or distress, as well as emotional consolation or relief. It can denote both physical comfort, such as in a cozy environment, and emotional comfort, such as in offering support and reassurance. The term retains its core meaning of providing relief and support, reflecting its historical evolution from strengthening and consoling to broader applications of ease and reassurance.

Synonyms

  • Ease
  • Relaxation
  • Solace
  • Relief
  • Contentment
  • Convenience
  • Support
  • Rest

Antonyms

  • Discomfort
  • Pain
  • Stress
  • Distress
  • Hardship
  • Agitation
  • Inconvenience
  • Unrest

Related

  • Well-being
  • Supportive
  • Cushion
  • Reassurance
  • Relief
  • Cozy
  • Comforting
  • Ease

🌐 🇬🇧 COMFORT in other languages

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