What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
consoling
Example
She tried to console her friend after the breakup. [console: verb]
Example
The counselor provided consoling words to the patient. [consoling: adjective]
soothing
Example
The soothing music helped her fall asleep. [soothing: adjective]
Example
The therapist used a soothing voice to help calm the patient. [soothing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Soothing is more commonly used than consoling in everyday language. Soothing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while consoling is less common and is typically used in situations where someone is experiencing emotional distress.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between consoling and soothing?
Both consoling and soothing are relatively formal words, but soothing may be slightly more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
