ENGLISH
REFERENCE

condolence

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //kənˈdoʊɫəns// UK //kəndˈəʊləns// con·do·lence

n. an expression of sympathy for someone who is suffering, especially after someone has died. You might send a card or a message to show you care.

n. an expression of sympathy or sorrow for someone who is suffering, particularly in the context of a bereavement. Often used in the plural to refer to the collective messages received.


SIMPLE

She sent a card to offer her condolences to the family.

CONTEXTUAL

The local community gathered at the funeral to express their condolences and share memories of the deceased.

COMPLEX

While the family appreciated the outpouring of support, they requested that any expressions of condolence be directed toward a specific charity in the deceased's name.

Synonyms
Origin

From condole + -ence, or from Middle French condoléance, or formed from the root of Latin condoleō (“I sympathize”), from con- (“together, with”) and doleō (“I hurt, suffer, have pain”).

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