ENGLISH
REFERENCE

condolences

n. · interj.
US //kənˈdoʊɫənsəz// UK //kəndˈəʊlənsɪz// con·do·lences
  1. 1 expressions of sympathy (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    messages or words of sympathy that you give to someone when a person they love has died.

    formal expressions of sympathy and sorrow offered to a bereaved person. Usually plural in form.

    Example

    We sent a card to express our deepest condolences to the family.

    Example

    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.

  2. 2 saying sorry for a loss (interj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a polite word you say directly to someone to show you are sorry for their loss.

    an utterance used to convey sympathy directly to a bereaved individual.

    Example

    Condolences on the passing of your father; he was a wonderful man.

    Example

    Condolences to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.

    Teacher's tip

    While grammatically an interjection here, it remains a very formal choice; 'I'm so sorry' is more common in casual speech.
    • I am sorry for your loss
Origin

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

Idioms1 entry

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