Trösten

Trösten is a Swedish noun meaning the comfort or consolation offered to someone in distress. It is the definite singular form of tröst, which denotes solace, relief, or support. The related verb trösta means to comfort, and its noun form tröst refers to the abstract concept of comfort. In usage, trösten can refer to a specific instance of comfort or be used in broader expressions about finding solace in difficult times, such as in literary, religious, or everyday contexts.

Etymologically, tröst derives from the Swedish verb trösta, which traces back to Old Norse and other Germanic roots. The word reflects a long-standing cultural emphasis on providing support to others during hardship. In Swedish prose and poetry, trösten is often invoked to denote solace offered by family, community, or faith, as well as inner resilience.

In contemporary Swedish, trösten can appear in phrases like att hitta trösten (to find the comfort) or han gav henne trösten hon behövde (he gave her the comfort she needed). As a definite noun, it typically refers to a particular source or moment of consolation rather than the general idea of comfort itself. See also trösta, tröst, consolation.