Console

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈkÉ’n.səʊl/
• US IPA: /ˈkɑːn.soÊŠl/

From French console ("a bracket")

Full definition of console

Noun

1. A cabinet designed to stand on the floor, especially one that houses home entertainment equipment, such as a TV or stereo system.
2. A cabinet that controls, instruments, and displays are mounted upon.
3. The keyboard and screen of a computer or other electronic device.
4. A storage tray or container mounted between the seats of an automobile.
5. (video games) A device dedicated to playing video games, set apart from arcade cabinets by its ability to change games.
6. (architecture) An ornamental member jutting out of a wall to carry a superincumbent weight.

Derived terms

• console table

Pronunciation

• RP enPR: kÉ™nsōlʹ, IPA: /kÉ™nˈsəʊl/
• US enPR: kÉ™nsōlʹ, IPA: /kÉ™nˈsoÊŠl/
• Rhymes: -əʊl

From French consoler, from Latin consolari ("offer solace")

Verb

1. (transitive) To comfort (someone) in a time of grief, disappointment, etc.
• P. HenryI am much consoled by the reflection that the religion of Christ has been attacked in vain by all the wits and philosophers, and its triumph has been complete.
• 1856: Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary, Part III Chapter X, translated by Eleanor Marx-Aveling"Do you remember, my friend, that I went to Tostes once when you had just lost your first deceased? I consoled you at that time. I thought of something to say then, but now—" Then, with a loud groan that shook his whole chest, "Ah! this is the end for me, do you see! I saw my wife go, then my son, and now to-day it's my daughter."

Synonyms

• comfort, solace

Derived terms

• consolable
• consolation
• consolatory
• consoler
• consoling
• consolingly