Consolation and constellation are two words that are often confused. We will examine the definitions of the words consolation and constellation, where these terms came from as well as some examples of their use in sentences.
Consolation is the solace one feels when being comforted after a loss or disappointment. Consolation may also refer to the thing or person that comforts one after a loss or disappointment. The word consolation is derived from the Latin word consolationem, which means a comfort. Consolation is a mass noun, which is an uncountable noun. Mass nouns do not have a plural form.
A constellation is a group of stars that form a pattern. These groups of stars are often named after mythological characters. Currently, there are eighty-eight named constellations. The word constellation is also used figuratively to mean a group of things or people who are similar and may be considered a cluster. The word constellation is derived from the Latin constellationem meaning a collection of stars.
Examples
New Delhi: Wednesday’s Supreme Court order did hold out some consolation for the Centre too while binding the Delhi lieutenant governor to “aid and advice” from the council of ministers on matters where the Delhi government can legislate. (The Telegraph)
Australia bow out as Peru claim World Cup consolation victory (The Mail & Guardian)
The Constellation Collective, a group of songwriters based in the Boulder area, takes a “strength in numbers” approach to a typical singer/songwriter act. (Boulder Weekly)
The nearest star to Earth is the sun, currently appearing to be traveling across the sky from east to west along the ecliptic in the area that is home to the winter constellations Gemini, Orion, and Taurus. (The Valley Star)