Meaning & use
the definition of condolence
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
The meaning of the word 'condolence,' which is an expression of sympathy for someone who has suffered a loss.
Grammar: Used when asking about the meaning of the noun 'condolence.'
Patterns
- the definition of condolence
- express condolence
- offer condolence
I searched online for the definition of condolence after hearing the sad news.
The dictionary gives the definition of condolence as a feeling or expression of sympathy.
She wanted to know the definition of condolence before writing a card.
Common combinations
- a message of condolence
- He sent a message of condolence to the family.
- express condolence
- We visited to express our condolence.
- offer condolence
- The president offered condolence to the victims' families.
- a letter of condolence
- She wrote a letter of condolence to her friend.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sympathy
- 'Sympathy' is a broader feeling of pity and sorrow for someone's misfortune, while 'condolence' is specifically an expression of sympathy for a death or loss.
Word family
- condole verb
- To express sympathy; formal and less common than the noun.
Commonly confused: the definition of condolence or consolation?
the definition of condolence vs consolation
'Consolation' means comfort given to someone who is disappointed, not necessarily related to death.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'condolence' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Condolences' is almost always plural when expressing sympathy. The singular 'condolence' is rare and sounds unnatural in this context.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the definition of condolence”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.