Solamend

Forms: noun solamend (pl. solamends); adjective solamend, solamending; verb to solamend (solamended, solamending).

1. n. A consciously untrue reply given to protect the person who asked, especially to reduce their worry, shame, or hurt.

2. n. The act or practice of giving such a protective, mood-preserving falsehood.

3. adj. Given or shaped to comfort the asker rather than to report fact.

4. v. to solamend (someone): to answer someone with a protective untruth.

Etymology: Built on Latin sōlāmen “comfort, relief” (source of solace) + a clipped element from Latin mendāx / mendac- “lying, false,” blended on an English stress pattern. So: sola- (to soothe) + -mend (from mendac-), giving “a lie meant to comfort,” not to deceive for gain.

Usage note: A solamend is narrower than a white lie: a white lie can spare anyone; a solamend is specifically angled toward the asker’s feelings. If the untruth protects the speaker, it’s not a solamend.

Derivatives:
• solamender n. one who often speaks in solamends
• solamendingly adv. in a protective, comfort-first way

When she asked if she’d embarrassed herself, he gave a quiet solamend.

by Kujjet November 1, 2025