condolence
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of condolence
Explanation
A condolence is an expression of sympathy and sorrow to someone who has suffered a loss, like the letter of condolence you send to a faraway friend who has lost a loved one. The noun condolence comes from the Late Latin word condole, meaning “to suffer together.” When you offer your condolences to someone who has suffered a loss, you are saying that you share their sadness, that you are there to support and help them. Don't confuse condolence with consolation, which is an attempt to make the person feel better.
Vocabulary lists containing condolence
Esperanza Rising
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Bush's Address on 9/11
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Maus I: My Father Bleeds History
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Condolence motions were passed in parliament, and even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed in, saying "it breaks your heart".
From BBC • May 15, 2026
Condolence messages came in from state police agencies and public officials, including Gov. Jared Polis.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 12, 2022
Condolence messages poured in immediately after Mangeshkar's death was announced.
From Fox News • Feb. 6, 2022
Condolence payments for deaths caused by the American military have varied widely in recent years.
From New York Times • Oct. 15, 2021
The Five Nations recorded the succession of council members with a combination of pegs and carved images on long wooden cylinders called Condolence Canes.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
