comfort etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: confort, comfort
  • Late Latin: comfortare, to strengthen
  • Latin: con- (with) + fortis (strong)

Meaning:

  • A state of ease and well-being, both physical and emotional
  • Relief or solace from pain or distress
  • A source of support or encouragement

Origin:

The English word "comfort" derives from the Old French word "confort," which in turn originates from the Late Latin verb "comfortare." This verb is composed of the Latin prefix "con-" (with) and the adjective "fortis" (strong). The original sense of "comfortare" was "to strengthen," and it later came to be used in a figurative sense, referring to the strengthening of someone's resolve or giving them relief from distress.

In Middle English, "comfort" was used in both the physical and emotional senses. It could refer to providing food, shelter, or other material support, as well as to offering solace, encouragement, or reassurance. The word continues to be used in both senses today, although it is more commonly used in the emotional sense, referring to a state of well-being and the ability to cope with adversity.

comfort relate terms

  • fort

    Origin and Etymology The word fort comes from the Old French word fort which in turn

  • comfortable

    Etymology The word comfortable originates from the Old French word conforter meaning

  • comfort

    Etymology Old French confort comfort Late Latin comfortare to strengthen Latin con

  • comforter

    Etymology The word comforter has its origins in the Old French word conforter meani

  • discomfort

    Etymology Early 15th century From Old French descomfort noun and desconforter v

  • soothe

    Etymology Old English suðian to quiet to lull to sleep Proto Germanic suthjanan Pr

  • consolation

    Etymology French consolation Latin consolatio consolationis from consolari to comf

  • disconsolate

    Etymology Latin disconsolatus meaning deprived of consolation From dis meaning ap

  • solace

    Etymology The word solace comes from the Old French word solacier meaning to comfo

  • console

    Etymology The word console is derived from the Latin term consolari meaning to comf

  • alleviate

    Etymology Latin alleviāre to make light ad to towards levis light M

  • ease

  • quilt

    Etymology of Quilt 1 Old French cuilte Meaning Stuffed or quilted coverlet 2