condolence

or con·dole·ment

[ kuh n-doh-luh ns ]

/ kənˈdoʊ ləns /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR condolence ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Often condolences. expression of sympathy with a person who is suffering sorrow, misfortune, or grief.

Nearby words

Origin of condolence

First recorded in 1595–1605; condole + -ence

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for condolence

To Hitchcock, this is not a sweet wire from an old colleague but a condolence letter on the occasion of his own death.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days|David Freeman|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The letters of condolence when she died in March at the age of 87 included one from an African American who had become president.
Is Al Sharpton Running New York City Hall From the White House?|Michael Daly|November 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She rarely dropped names of her famous friends, except Prince Charles', who issued a public note of condolence after her death.
Melissa Rivers: Life After Joan—A Funny, Moving Celebration on a Special 'Fashion Police'|Tim Teeman|September 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Before Mr. Chen left the museum, he signed a condolence book by the corner library.
The Tiananmen Square Museum That’s Shocking China’s Tourists|Brendon Hong|May 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST

This year, the condolence book from the June 4th Museum will be burned in a ceremony of remembrance.
The Tiananmen Square Museum That’s Shocking China’s Tourists|Brendon Hong|May 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He sent me many messages of condolence, and the rather unpleasant advice to be cupped and scarified.
A Confederate Girl's Diary|Sarah Margan Dawson
Miss Falconer and Charlotte had paid one visit of condolence after the funeral.
Under the Mendips|Emma Marshall
We have enclosed it to his widow with a letter of condolence.
A History of American Literature Since 1870|Fred Lewis Pattee
Telegrams of condolence and of encouragement poured in from all parts of the country.
'The System,' as uncovered by the San Francisco Graft Prosecution|Franklin Hichborn
Short notes of condolence, expressing the deepest sympathy, are usually accepted, and help to comfort stricken hearts.
Our Deportment|John H. Young

British Dictionary definitions for condolence

condolence

condolement (kənˈdəʊlmənt)

/ (kənˈdəʊləns) /

noun

(often plural) an expression of sympathy with someone in grief, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for condolence

condolence

c.1600, from Late Latin condolere "to suffer together" (see condole) + -ence. Often in form condoleance 1600-1800.

condolence

or con·dole·ment

noun

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RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of condolence

Examples from the Web for condolence

condolence

condolement (kənˈdəʊlmənt)

noun

condolence