Things that provide physical ease, convenience, or consolation, making life more pleasant and comfortable. Can also refer to emotional support or relief from distress or grief.
From Old French 'confort' and Latin 'confortare,' meaning 'to strengthen greatly,' composed of 'con-' (intensive) + 'fortis' (strong). The meaning shifted from 'strengthen' to 'provide ease and consolation' by the 14th century.
The word 'comfort' originally meant to strengthen someone spiritually or emotionally - the physical sense of soft cushions and warm blankets came later! This is why we still 'comfort' grieving people, preserving the word's original meaning of providing strength during difficult times.
Women historically assigned emotional labor and comfort-giving roles; 'comfort' work (caregiving) systematically undervalued and unpaid relative to male labor.
Use objectively for physical or informational comfort without gendered assumptions about who provides or benefits. Acknowledge comfort work as valuable labor when discussing care.
["solace","support","ease"]
Women's comfort labor—nursing, emotional support, hospitality—was foundational to economies; recognize and value this explicitly.
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