noun
condolence
kuhn-DOH-luhns
Condolence (noun) means an expression of sympathy offered to someone who has experienced a loss, especially a death. Example: “He sent a card of condolence to the grieving family.”
noun
1
An expression of sympathy offered to someone who has experienced a loss, especially a death.
"He sent a card of condolence to the grieving family."
"I sent her a card expressing my condolences after her mother passed away."
How to use condolence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA message of sympathy for someone who has lost a loved one.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a letter of condolence
condolence card
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Word forms
- Plural
- condolences
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He sent a card of _____ to the grieving family.
Etymology
From condole plus -ence, related to Latin condolere ("to suffer with, sympathize").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for condolence
See all rhymes for condolence →Frequently asked questions
What does “condolence” mean?
The word “condolence” means an expression of sympathy offered to someone who has experienced a loss, especially a death. In plain terms, a message of sympathy for someone who has lost a loved one.
How do you pronounce “condolence”?
“Condolence” is pronounced kuhn-DOH-luhns (/kənˈdoʊləns/ in IPA).
How do you use “condolence” in a sentence?
Here is “condolence” used in a sentence: “He sent a card of condolence to the grieving family.”
What part of speech is “condolence”?
“Condolence” is a noun.
Where does the word “condolence” come from?
The word “condolence” comes from Latin. From condole plus -ence, related to Latin condolere ("to suffer with, sympathize").
