English Reference

Word

comfort

Phoneticscom·fort, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈkəmfɝt/

UK/kˈʌmfət/

Definitions

01physical ease

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

n. a pleasant feeling of being relaxed and having no physical pain.

n. a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint.

“The hotel bed was designed for maximum comfort after a long day of travel.”

“Modern ergonomic chairs are engineered to provide sustained comfort for office workers who spend several hours at their desks.”

02emotional support

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the feeling of being less sad or worried because of someone's help.

n. the state of being consoled or the person/thing that provides such consolation during times of distress.

“It was a great comfort to have my family nearby during the difficult week.”

“The chaplain provided spiritual comfort to the families waiting in the hospital wing, offering a calm presence amidst the crisis.”

Antonyms

03amenities/luxuries

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun

n. things that make your life easier and more pleasant.

n. things that contribute to physical ease and well-being, often used in the plural to describe household amenities.

“The small cabin lacked modern comforts like running water or electricity.”

“After weeks of camping in the wilderness, the hikers truly appreciated the simple comforts of a hot shower and a soft mattress.”

Antonyms

04to soothe someone

B1 · Intermediate

v. to make someone feel better when they are sad, worried, or in pain.

v. to alleviate the grief or distress of someone; to console.

“The mother tried to comfort her crying child after he fell down.”

“The therapist worked to comfort the survivors, helping them process their trauma in a safe and supportive environment.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “comfort” in context.

Verb

01. live in comfort

“After years of hard work, they were finally able to live in comfort.”

verb + prep + noun

02. provide comfort

“The soft lighting and plush chairs were designed to provide comfort to the guests.”

verb + noun

03. seek comfort

“After the long hike, the travelers sought comfort in a warm, cozy cabin.”

verb + noun

Adjective

04. creature comforts

“The hotel offers all the creature comforts you would expect from a five-star resort.”

adj + noun

05. great comfort

“It was a great comfort to know that her family was safe after the storm.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. sense of comfort

“The familiar smell of baking bread gave him a deep sense of comfort.”

noun + of + noun

07. zone of comfort

“To grow as a person, you sometimes need to step outside your usual zone of comfort.”

noun + of + noun

Preposition

08. in comfort

“The new seats allow passengers to travel across the country in comfort.”

prep + noun

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'provide', 'seek', or 'offer'. When referring to physical objects or amenities, it is used in the plural form 'comforts'.

Real-World Examples

“No surprise that the sudden ability to watch the original cast perform the most talked-about Broadway show in years from the comfort of the couch became an at-home event.”
The Guardian 13 Aug 2026
“People are replaying things from their university days, or sticking to comfort games such as Stardew Valley.”
The Guardian 12 Aug 2026
“The calm words from the Nasa team have given the crew a comforting link with home.”
BBC News 5 Apr 2026
“In a divided world, there is comfort in coming together in awe.”
The Guardian 13 Aug 2026

Word family

NOUN

Comfort(B2)

Related words

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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