Comfort Meaning and Definition
Comfort
Pronunciation
/ˈkʌmft/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A state of physical or mental well-being, characterized by a feeling of relaxation, tranquility, and freedom from pain, discomfort, or anxiety.
Examples
- The comfortable chair provided a sense of comfort after a long day.
- She found comfort in the warm hug from her loved one.
Synonyms
- Relaxation
- Peace
- Serenity
Antonyms
- Distress
- Pain
- Discomfort
Etymology
The word “comfort” has its roots in the Old French word “confort,” meaning “strength” or “courage,” which is derived from the Latin word “confortare,” meaning “to strengthen” or “to console.”
Usage Notes
Comfort can be used to describe both physical and emotional states, and it is often used in phrases such as “a comfortable pair of shoes” or “a comfort food.”
Cultural References
Comfort plays a significant role in literature and poetry, particularly in the works of Romantic writers such as William Wordsworth and John Keats, who often explored the theme of comfort and solace in their writing.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
A comfort to someone is a source of solace or relief, as in the phrase “a comfort to my brother after his mother’s passing.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Serenity
- Peace
- Relaxation
Collocations
- Comfort food
- Comfort zone
- Comfortable
Frequency of Use
Comfort is a common word in modern language, with frequencies similar to words like “relaxation” and “serenity.”
Common Misspellings
- Consummate
- Compliment