condolence

Etymology

condole +‎ -ence, or from Middle French condoléance, or formed from the root of Latin condoleo (“to sympathize”), from con- (“together, with”) and doleo (“hurt, suffer, have pain”).

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /kənˈdoʊləns/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Audio (plural, US)

  (file)

Noun

condolence (countable and uncountable, plural condolences)

1. (uncountable) Comfort, support or sympathy.

   There was not much to do after the accident but offer what condolence I could.

2. (countable, usually in the plural) An expression of comfort, support, or sympathy offered to the family and friends of somebody who has died.

   I sent her a card expressing my condolences after her mother passed away.