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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."

How to use condolence

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA message of sympathy for someone who has lost a loved one.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
a letter of condolence condolence card

Word forms

condolences plural

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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").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for condolence

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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").

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