# comforting

/ˈkəmfɝtɪŋ/ (US) · /kˈʌmfətɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/comforting
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. soothing or reassuring

adjective · CEFR B1

making you feel less sad, worried, or upset.

For teachers: providing physical or emotional solace; serving to alleviate distress or anxiety.

- It was comforting to know that my family was waiting for me at the airport.
- The therapist's comforting tone helped the patient discuss the traumatic event without feeling overwhelmed by anxiety.

### 2. physically pleasant

adjective · CEFR B1

giving a feeling of physical warmth or relaxation.

For teachers: evoking a sense of physical well-being, warmth, or security.

- A bowl of hot soup is very comforting on a cold winter day.
- The familiar, comforting scent of baking bread filled the house, instantly making the guests feel at home.

### 3. the act of soothing

noun · CEFR B2

the act of trying to make someone feel better.

For teachers: the action of providing solace or consolation to another person.

- The comforting of the crying child took a long time.
- The ritual comforting of the bereaved is a central aspect of many cultural traditions during the mourning period.

## Examples

- A warm bowl of soup is very comforting on a cold day.
- After the long and stressful meeting, her friend's kind words were incredibly comforting.
- The familiar scent of his grandmother's house provided a comforting sense of continuity in a world that felt increasingly unpredictable.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.