condolence
Americannoun
-
condolences
plural
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
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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.
See Examples For:
Greek Fire Service chief Theodoros Vagias published a note of condolence to the two firefighters who died on Wednesday, naming them as 58-year-old Emmanouil Stratidakis and 25-year-old Pantelis Diamantakis.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
It has been two years since Ysa’s death, and Ferrante continues to get condolence messages in response to her request.
From Slate ● Jul. 19, 2026
A small but poignant item: the condolence card sent to Carrie by Samantha Jones, her estranged friend played by Kim Cattrall, who made a brief but impactful appearance in the reboot.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 28, 2026
Despite posting statements and condolence messages in his name, they have yet to offer and new images or proof of life.
From Barron's ● Apr. 7, 2026
Women came to comfort her, and their husbands paid condolence calls and hoped inwardly that she would soon move to another neighborhood and spare them the obligation of continuous sympathy.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
The singer's death has prompted an outpouring of condolences, with the community council organising a book of memories at the Ostreme centre.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed condolences to the quake victims and said the UN was "supporting the Government-led response as requested."
From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026
In the post, Le Clos also paid tribute to his "neighbour of many years" who died in the fire, offering his "deepest and most sincere condolences" to the victim's family and friends.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Allan’s family, friends, teammates, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” UFC wrote on social media.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026
Abandoning the remaining condolences, Celia takes the card in hand and leaves the room, ascending a winding stair that leads to the upstairs parlor.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
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.
