condolence

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

• (US) IPA^(key): /kənˈdoʊləns/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Audio (US, plural); “condolences”:

  (file)

• (Philippines) IPA^(key): /ˈkɒndələns/

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.

• book of condolence
• condolence card