condolence
kuhn-DOH-lihnss
/kənˈdoʊləns/
An expression of sympathy and sorrow to someone who has suffered a loss.
Almost always used in the plural ('condolences') when extending sympathy directly.
The story behind the word. Formed from Late Latin 'condolere', combining 'com-' (together) and 'dolere' (to feel pain or grieve). Literally, offering condolences means 'suffering or grieving together' with someone in their grief.
Word relationships
- sympathy: Sympathy is broader and can apply to any misfortune, not just death.
- compassion: Compassion is a general feeling of sorrow for another's suffering.
- callousness: Insensitivity or lack of care for another's pain.
Commonly confused with
- congratulations: Congratulations express joy for success, whereas condolences express sorrow for loss.
Word family
- condole (verb): To express sympathy to someone who is grieving.
Collocations
- offer condolences
- express condolences
- deepest condolences
- heartfelt condolences
Example sentences
- "Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time." Sympathy card
- "The prime minister sent a message of condolence to the family of the fallen soldier." Official message
Memory hook
Con (together) + dole (grieve, like doleful). Grieving together with someone. Sharing the weight of pain together.
When not to use
Avoid using in casual situations unrelated to loss, grief, or tragedy.
Fun facts
- The root 'dolere' also gives us English words like 'doleful' (sad) and 'indolent' (originally meaning 'feeling no pain').
Related words
Explore more words
inconsolable, solace, lament, grieve, sympathetic, bereavement
Also appears in
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