condole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low frequency, formal/archaic register)Formal, literary, sometimes archaic. Rare in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “condole” mean?
to express sympathy or sorrow, especially with someone who is grieving a loss.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to express sympathy or sorrow, especially with someone who is grieving a loss.
To share in another's grief or misfortune; to offer formal or heartfelt condolences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare and formal in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British formal writing or historical contexts.
Connotations
Connotes formality, solemnity, and sometimes a slightly old-fashioned or ceremonial tone.
Frequency
Very low frequency. 'Offer condolences', 'express sympathy', or 'send condolences' are vastly more common in modern usage.
Grammar
How to Use “condole” in a Sentence
[Subject] condole with [Recipient] on/over [Event/Loss]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “condole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vicar called to condole with the widow on her husband's passing.
- It is customary to condole with the family after the funeral service.
American English
- The President issued a statement to condole with the nation over the tragedy.
- Friends gathered at the house to condole with them over their loss.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in a formal letter to a business partner regarding a personal loss.
Academic
Rare, but possible in historical or literary analysis discussing themes of grief.
Everyday
Virtually never used. 'I'm so sorry for your loss' is the standard phrase.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “condole”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “condole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “condole”
- Using it transitively (e.g., 'I condole you' - incorrect).
- Using it in informal contexts where 'say sorry' or 'offer condolences' is expected.
- Confusing it with 'console' (which can be transitive).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very formal and rarely used in modern spoken English. 'Offer condolences' or 'express sympathy' are standard.
It is used intransitively with 'with' (condole with someone). The cause of grief is introduced with 'on' or 'over' (condole with someone on/over their loss).
'Condole' means to express sympathy *with* someone grieving. 'Console' means to comfort or cheer up someone, and it can be used transitively (console someone).
Only in extremely formal contexts, such as official correspondence from an institution. In most personal or professional emails, 'Please accept my deepest condolences' or 'My thoughts are with you' is more natural.
to express sympathy or sorrow, especially with someone who is grieving a loss.
Condole is usually formal, literary, sometimes archaic. rare in casual conversation. in register.
Condole: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈdəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈdoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'condole'. Related: 'pay one's condolences', 'offer one's condolences'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CONDOLE sounds like 'CONSOLE' – both involve offering comfort, but you condole WITH someone, while you console someone (directly).
Conceptual Metaphor
GRIEF IS A BURDEN TO BE SHARED (condoling is an act of helping to bear that burden).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the CORRECT usage of 'condole'?