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REFERENCE

console

n. · v.
US //ˈkɑnsoʊɫ// con·sole
  1. 1 gaming device (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    a machine used specifically for playing video games on a television.

    a dedicated electronic device designed for interactive video gameplay, typically connected to a television or monitor.

    Example

    He spent the whole afternoon playing a new adventure game on his console.

    Example

    The latest generation of gaming consoles features advanced graphics processing units that allow for near-photorealistic environments and seamless loading times.
    • gaming system
  2. 2 control panel (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical

    a panel or desk that holds the controls for a machine, computer, or vehicle.

    a control desk or panel containing the switches, dials, and displays required to operate a complex electronic or mechanical system.

    Example

    The pilot checked the instruments on the console before takeoff.

    Example

    The system administrator accessed the server via the management console to troubleshoot the network connectivity issues that occurred overnight.
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  1. 3 car storage (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English

    the storage area or tray between the front seats of a car.

    a storage compartment or tray located between the driver and passenger seats of a motor vehicle.

    Example

    I left my sunglasses in the console between the seats.

    Example

    Modern automotive design often integrates cup holders and USB charging ports directly into the center console for driver convenience.
    • center console
  2. 4 to comfort someone (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to try to make someone feel better when they are sad or disappointed.

    to provide emotional solace or comfort to a person experiencing grief, loss, or disappointment.

    Example

    She tried to console her friend after the team lost the final match.

    Example

    The priest attempted to console the grieving family, offering words of hope and support during the difficult funeral service.

    Usage

    This verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the person being comforted.
    Pitfall
    I tried to console to her after the accident.
    I tried to console her after the accident.

    The verb 'console' is transitive and takes a direct object; do not use the preposition 'to'.

Etymology 1

Borrowed from French console (“bracket”, noun), from consoler (“to console, to comfort”, verb). Sense of “bracket” either due to a bracket alleviating the load, or due to brackets being decorated with the Christian figure of a consolateur (“consoler”), itself perhaps a pun on the first sense (alleviating load). Originally used for the bracket itself, then for wall-mounted tables (mounted with a bracket), then for free-standing tables placed against a wall. Use for control system dates at least to 1880s for an “organ console”; use for electrical or electronic control systems dates at least to 1930s in radio, television, and system control, particularly as “mixer console” or “control console”, attached to an equipment rack. This was popularized in computers by mainframes such as the IBM 704 (1954) in terms such as “operator’s console” or “console typewriter”, and then generalized to any attached equipment, particularly for user interaction. The automotive sense harks back to earlier use as “support”.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from French consoler, from Latin cōnsōlor (“to console, offer solace”), root from Proto-Indo-European *selh₂- (“mercy, comfort”) (whence also solace).

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