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comforting
/ˈkʌmfərtɪŋ/
providing relief or solace
Her gentle voice was very comforting during the crisis.
Her voice helped reduce anxiety and provided emotional support.
general
giving a feeling of happiness, satisfaction, or relief; alleviating distress
It was comforting to know that help was on the way.
Knowing assistance was coming reduced his worry.
Often used to describe actions, words, or presence that ease emotional pain.
Collocations
comforting thoughta realization that reduces anxietycomforting presencesomeone whose company provides reassurancefind comfort into derive solace from something
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'Comfortable'
Use 'comforting' for emotional relief (e.g., a comforting hug). Use 'comfortable' for physical ease (e.g., a comfortable chair) or lack of embarrassment.
Gold Rule
Emotional vs. Physical
Do not use 'comforting' to describe physical sensations like temperature or fit. A blanket is 'warm' or 'soft'; the act of wrapping someone in it is 'comforting'.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'comforten', from Old French 'conforter', from Latin 'confortare' (to strengthen greatly), combining 'com-' (intensive) and 'fortis' (strong).
Usage Notes
Used as an adjective to describe things that alleviate sadness, fear, or pain. It implies an active process of making someone feel better, rather than just a static state of ease.
Word Breakdown
comfort
a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint
root-ing
present participle suffix forming an adjective
suffixEnglish Dictionary