Word
condolences
Phoneticscon·do·lences
US/kənˈdoʊɫənsəz/
UK/kəndˈəʊlənsɪz/
Definitions
01expressions of sympathy
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Formal
n. messages or words of sympathy that you give to someone when a person they love has died.
n. formal expressions of sympathy and sorrow offered to a bereaved person. Usually plural in form.
“We sent a card to express our deepest condolences to the family.”
“The Prime Minister offered his sincere condolences to the victims' families during the televised address.”
Usage
Commonly used with the verbs 'offer', 'express', or 'send'.
Pitfall
I gave him my condolence.
I offered him my condolences.
In modern English, this word is almost always used in the plural form when expressing sympathy.
02saying sorry for a loss
C1 · Advanced Formal
interj. a polite word you say directly to someone to show you are sorry for their loss.
interj. an utterance used to convey sympathy directly to a bereaved individual.
“Condolences on the passing of your father; he was a wonderful man.”
“Condolences to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Teaching tip
While grammatically an interjection here, it remains a very formal choice; 'I'm so sorry' is more common in casual speech.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“The singer's death has prompted an outpouring of condolences, with the community council organising a book of memories at the Ostreme centre.” “I offer my deepest condolences to the families of those involved,” said Arsenio Dominguez, head of the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO).” Etymology
From Latin condoleo (“I feel another's pain”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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