ENGLISH
REFERENCE

condolences

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //kənˈdoʊɫənsəz// UK //kəndˈəʊlənsɪz// con·do·lences

n. kind words you say to someone when a person they love has died. It is a way to show you are sorry for their loss.

n. expressions of sympathy and sorrow offered to someone who has recently experienced the death of a relative or friend.


SIMPLE

I sent a card to offer my condolences.

CONTEXTUAL

The prime minister sent his official condolences to the family after the news of the tragedy broke.

COMPLEX

While flowers are a traditional gesture, many people now prefer to express their condolences through a thoughtful letter or a donation to a charity the deceased supported.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin condoleo (“I feel another's pain”).

Usage

Almost always used in the plural form. Frequently paired with the verbs 'offer', 'send', or 'express'.

Pitfall

I gave him my condolenceI gave him my condolencesThe word is almost exclusively used in the plural when expressing sympathy for a death.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference