# condolences

/kənˈdoʊɫənsəz/ (US) · /kəndˈəʊlənsɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/condolences
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. expressions of sympathy

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. saying sorry for a loss

interjection · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I sent a card to offer my condolences.
- The prime minister sent his official condolences to the family after the news of the tragedy broke.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.