balm

/bɑːm/ (bre, ipa) · /bɑːm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbäm ˈbälm/ (ame, mw)

balm — noun

  • balmsingular
  • balmsplural

1. a sweet-smelling oily or creamy substance made from plants, applied to the skin

1.名詞B2
釋義

a sweet-smelling oily or creamy substance made from plants, applied to the skin to heal cuts, ease pain, or soften rough skin

例句

Ravi smoothed a little balm onto the scrape on his knee.

smoothed a little balm onto

The herbal balm eased the ache in Grandmother's stiff hands.

herbal balm eased the ache

同義詞
  • ointment

    more medical, less focus on scent; often a medicated preparation

  • salve

    similar meaning but old-fashioned; often used in historical or literary contexts

  • cream

    thinner and less oily; primarily for cosmetic use rather than healing

用法筆記

Frequently paired with adjectives describing the effect (cooling, healing, soothing) or the scent (lemon-scented, herbal, minty).

2. something that calms your mind, eases distress, or brings a feeling of peace — f

2.名詞C1
釋義

something that calms your mind, eases distress, or brings a feeling of peace — for example, kind words, music, or time alone

例句

Aunt Fatima's soft voice was a balm after the long, difficult week.

was a balm after the

For Kai, gardening became a quiet balm during the months of grief.

同義詞
  • solace

    more formal and specifically about finding comfort in grief or deep disappointment

  • comfort

    more general; covers both physical ease and emotional support, while balm is almost always emotional or mental

  • relief

    focuses on the removal of pain or worry rather than the active giving of peace

用法筆記

Almost always used in the singular and preceded by 'a'. Commonly followed by 'to' or 'for' plus the person or thing comforted.