noun
mere consolation; temporary peace of mind
Describes something that provides only superficial or short-lived comfort, not a real solution. Often used in phrases like 気休めに言う (say something just to make someone feel better) or 気休めに過ぎない (nothing more than a temporary relief).
彼の言葉は気休めに過ぎなかった。
His words were nothing more than a temporary comfort.
気休めに温かいお茶を入れた。
I made some warm tea just to soothe myself a little.
Compound of 気 (ki, 'mind, spirit') and 休め (yasume, 'rest, break'), literally 'mind-rest'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used since at least the Edo period to refer to something that gives temporary mental relief.