Peace vs. Solace — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
Peace is the state of tranquility or quietness, but it can also mean the absence of war. Solace refers to comfort or consolation during a time of distress or sadness.
Difference Between Peace and Solace
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Peace often portrays a state where there is no conflict or disturbance and is not only used to describe the absence of war but also a state of mental calm and tranquility. On the other hand, Solace specifically pertains to the comfort received by a person after a period of disappointment or grief, providing a form of relief from sorrow.
Peace can relate to both internal calmness and global non-violence, implying it can be utilized in broader contexts. Solace, however, generally deals with personal, emotional comfort, suggesting a more intimate, individual context, often involving emotional support.
Peace tends to imply a persistent state or condition of quietness and calm, potentially encompassing larger entities like countries. Solace might suggest a temporal relief or comfort found in the midst of or following periods of hardship or discomfort.
Peace can often be depicted as an overarching theme in societal and global contexts, reflecting an absence of civil disorder or violence. Solace leans towards an emotional reprieve, being a source or provider of consolation especially in times of despair.
Both Peace and Solace suggest positive, desirable states, but Peace often connects with wider, sometimes more public and shared experiences of calm or stability. Whereas Solace typically tends to be a more personal, intimate experience, particularly pertinent during or after periods of distress.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A state of tranquility or the absence of war.
Comfort or consolation in times of sorrow.
Contextual Usage
Can be used in personal, national, or global contexts.
Generally used in personal contexts.
Duration
Implies a stable, ongoing condition.
May suggest temporary comfort.
Scope
Can imply internal calmness or global non-violence.
Often pertains to emotional comfort.
Emotional Tie
Sometimes emotionally neutral.
Inherently connected to emotional states.
Compare with Definitions
Peace
Mental calm; serenity.
Meditation brings her peace.
Solace
Comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble.
He found solace in music after his breakup.
Peace
Freedom from disturbance; tranquility.
He left town to find peace in the countryside.
Solace
Something that provides comfort or consolation.
The kind words were a solace during tough times.
Peace
Freedom from civil disorder.
The mayor restored peace in the troubled city.
Solace
Alleviation of sorrow or distress.
The charity provided solace to the afflicted families.
Peace
A treaty agreeing to the end of war.
The two nations signed a peace.
Solace
To make cheerful in a time of sadness.
The sunny day was a solace amid the rainy week.
Peace
Peace is a concept of societal friendship and harmony in the absence of hostility and violence. In a social sense, peace is commonly used to mean a lack of conflict (such as war) and freedom from fear of violence between individuals or groups.
Solace
Comfort or consolation in a time of great distress or sadness
She sought solace in her religion
Peace
The absence of war or other hostilities.
Solace
Give solace to
The soundlessness of nature impressed and solaced her
Peace
An agreement or a treaty to end hostilities
Negotiated the peace.
Solace
Comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or distress; consolation.
Peace
Freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmonious relations
Roommates living in peace with each other.
Solace
A source of comfort or consolation.
Peace
Public security and order
Was arrested for disturbing the peace.
Solace
To comfort, cheer, or console, as in trouble or sorrow.
Peace
Inner contentment; serenity
Peace of mind.
Solace
To allay or assuage
"They solaced their wretchedness, however, by duets after supper" (Jane Austen).
Peace
Used as a greeting, a farewell, or a request for silence.
Solace
Comfort or consolation in a time of loneliness or distress.
You cannot put a monetary value on emotional solace.
Peace
A state of tranquility, quiet, and harmony; absence of violence. For instance, a state free from civil disturbance.
Our lounge strives to maintain an environment of peace for the comfort of our customers.
Solace
A source of comfort or consolation.
Peace
A state free of oppressive and unpleasant thoughts and emotions.
The safety equipment will give me some peace of mind.
Solace
(transitive) To give solace to; comfort; cheer; console.
Peace
Harmony in personal relations.
Solace
(transitive) To allay or assuage.
Peace
A state free of war, in particular war between different countries.
May there be peace in our time.
Solace
(intransitive) To take comfort; to be cheered.
Peace
(archaic) Shut up!, silence!; be quiet, be silent.
Solace
Comfort in grief; alleviation of grief or anxiety; also, that which relieves in distress; that which cheers or consoles; relief.
In business of mirth and of solace.
The proper solaces of age are not music and compliments, but wisdom and devotion.
Peace
(slang) Peace out; goodbye.
Solace
Rest; relaxation; ease.
To make his steed some solace.
Peace
To make peace; to put at peace; to be at peace.
Solace
To cheer in grief or under calamity; to comfort; to relieve in affliction, solitude, or discomfort; to console; - applied to persons; as, to solace one with the hope of future reward.
Peace
(slang) To peace out.
Solace
To allay; to assuage; to soothe; as, to solace grief.
Peace
A state of quiet or tranquillity; freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm; repose
Solace
To take comfort; to be cheered.
Peace
To make or become quiet; to be silent; to stop.
When the thunder would not peace at my bidding.
Solace
The comfort you feel when consoled in times of disappointment;
Second place was no consolation to him
Peace
The state prevailing during the absence of war
Solace
Comfort in disappointment or misery
Peace
Harmonious relations; freedom from disputes;
The roommates lived in peace together
Solace
The act of consoling; giving relief in affliction;
His presence was a consolation to her
Peace
The absence of mental stress or anxiety
Solace
Give moral or emotional strength to
Peace
The general security of public places;
He was arrested for disturbing the peace
Solace
To comfort or cheer in times of distress.
She called her friend to solace her.
Peace
A treaty to cease hostilities;
Peace came on November 11th
Peace
A state or period in which there is no war.
After years of conflict, peace was finally achieved.
Common Curiosities
Is solace found or provided?
Both, one can find solace or provide solace to others.
Is solace always related to sad or difficult times?
Typically, yes, solace generally pertains to comfort during distress.
Does peace always imply happiness?
Not necessarily, peace might imply calm or tranquility without specific emotional ties.
Can peace refer to personal mental states?
Yes, peace can describe personal tranquility or serenity.
Can solace be a physical thing?
Not literally, but physical things (like a blanket or a book) might provide solace.
Can peace be negative, like forced peace?
While generally positive, context can render peace as negative (e.g., oppressive peace).
Does peace mean the same globally and personally?
In essence, yes, peace implies lack of conflict or disturbance on any scale.
Can peace refer to a period without war?
Absolutely, peace often denotes times without conflict or war.
Can providing solace be an act of kindness?
Yes, providing solace is often perceived as a compassionate act.
Does solace imply eventual relief from pain?
Not necessarily, solace provides comfort but may not eliminate pain or distress.
Can peace exist in times of difficulty?
Yes, people may find internal peace even in challenging circumstances.
Can solace be found in activities?
Yes, people often find solace in activities like reading or walking.
Is peace solely an external state?
No, peace can be both an external condition and an internal state of being.
Can solace have religious connotations?
Yes, solace is sometimes associated with spiritual comfort or divine consolation.
Are peace and solace synonymous?
While related as positive states, peace generally implies calm or non-conflict, and solace implies comfort amid distress, making them contextually different.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
