Comforting is an adjective in the English language which means “giving or providing comfort.” An equivalent definition is “providing relief or freedom from worry.” As a word with a positive connotation, it is often used to compliment places, people, sensations, and things. A comforting person, place, or thing is one which provides comfort. The word comforting is also commonly used to describe delicious or relaxing meals, also referred to as comfort food. In a March 2025 Salon article, deputy food editor Michael La Corte described pasta as “comforting” for its “crispy, crunchy aspect” and the familiarity and reliability of the softness of pasta and pasta sauce. In a February 2025 article, Bibi Hutchings describes the taste of gravy as one that is “so comforting that many associate it with the love of their mother, their grandmothers,” or any other viable cook during childhood.
Comforting is a beautiful word. Good friends care about each other’s wellbeing, and good friends try to comfort one another. This can be done by making statements of reassurance, active listening, and giving a hug. Effective strategies for consolation include active listening, asking how to help, and importantly, allowing the person to feel validated, understood, and heard. Active, effective listeners are sometimes praised by their friends as follows: “Thanks for your comforting words.”
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