condolence

or con·dole·ment

[ kuhn-doh-luhns ]

/ kənˈdoʊ ləns /

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See synonyms for: condolence / condolences on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of condolence

First recorded in 1595–1605; condole + -ence

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use condolence in a sentence

Kathy and I send our love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Tony Hsieh, retired Zappos CEO, dies at 46|Verne Kopytoff|November 28, 2020|Fortune
First, introduce yourself, explaining your connection to the deceased, and then express your condolences in the normal way.
Miss Manners: Groom’s mother wants to contribute more than money to the wedding|Judith Martin, Nicholas Martin, Jacobina Martin|October 29, 2020|Washington Post
We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, champion of LGBTQ rights on the bench, dies at age 87|Chris Johnson|September 18, 2020|Washington Blade
His acts of condolence and celebration set off a chain reaction that sickened at least 16 people.
Six foot social-distancing will not always be enough for COVID-19|Tina Hesman Saey|April 23, 2020|Science News For Students

Grisham offered condolences to members on his Facebook page.
Open-Carry Militia Mom ‘Murders’ Family|Brandy Zadrozny|December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The family remain close to the democracy icon, who earlier this month sent a letter of condolences to Than Dar.
Hope and Change? Burma Kills a Journalist Before Obama Arrives|Joshua Carroll|November 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I would give them my condolences and tell them what I was doing—trying to show the world the crisis in Liberia.
The Photojournalist Who Stared Down Ebola|Abby Haglage|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Among the most memorable have been posters expressing condolences for the deaths of Trayvon Martin and James Gandolfini.
The Man Syria’s Jihadists Want Dead|Patrick Hilsman|January 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“Families in Upper Egypt are not accepting condolences,” said El Magd.
In Egypt’s Countryside, Vendettas Between Police and Islamists Simmer|Mike Giglio, Christopher Dickey|October 28, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Without waiting to give explanations or to receive condolences or advice the sub hurried off to his cabin and changed into No.
The Dreadnought of the Air|Percy F. Westerman
The Emperor of Russia did not write personally, but contented himself with sending condolences by a charg d'affaires.
Memoirs of the Duchesse de Dino v.1/3, 1831-1835|Dorothy Duchesse de Dino
The other two priests had departed after expressing their condolences to Mrs. Kennedy.
Warren Commission (7 of 26): Hearings Vol. VII (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
This gave Tom Tristram a much-coveted opportunity to offer his condolences.
The American|Henry James
He threw his cigar away, jerked himself into his coat, and left the room with jeering condolences in his wake.
The Californians|Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton

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

condolence

or con·dole·ment

Origin of condolence

Words related to condolence

How to use condolence in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for condolence

condolement (kənˈdəʊlmənt)