condolence
B2formal
Definition
Meaning
sympathetic sorrow for someone else's misfortune, especially grief over a death
An expression of sympathy; formal acknowledgement of another's loss
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in contexts of death and bereavement; sometimes extended metaphorically to other profound losses
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage identical; 'condolences' (plural) more common than singular in both
Connotations
Equally formal in both varieties
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in written formal contexts in British English
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
offer condolences to someoneexpress condolences on somethingsend condolences for somethingreceive condolences from someoneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A letter of condolence”
- “To pay one's condolences”
- “To offer condolences”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal corporate communications following the death of an employee or associate's family member
Academic
Appears in historical, sociological or psychological texts discussing mourning rituals
Everyday
Primarily in written correspondence or formal spoken contexts following a death
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts outside of specific fields like palliative care or funeral services
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They came to condole with the bereaved family.
- The ambassador condoled on the national tragedy.
American English
- Friends gathered to condole with the widow.
- The president condoled with the victims' families.
adjective
British English
- A condolence letter arrived from the Queen.
- They made a condolence visit yesterday.
American English
- She received a condolence card from her coworkers.
- The condolence message was brief but sincere.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I am sorry for your loss.
- Please accept my condolences for your father's passing.
- They sent a card to express their condolences.
- The prime minister offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
- We would like to extend our sincere condolences on your recent bereavement.
- The ambassador conveyed the government's official condolences during the state funeral.
- Her eloquent letter of condolence provided some solace in their time of grief.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONDO + LENCE: Imagine sharing a CONDO with someone who needs your silence (LENCE sounds like 'silence') during grief
Conceptual Metaphor
GRIEF IS A BURDEN (we 'offer' condolences to help carry it); SYMPATHY IS A GIFT (we 'send' condolences)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'соболезнование' in informal contexts; 'condolence' is more formal than the Russian equivalent
- Russian speakers may overuse singular form; English strongly prefers plural 'condolences'
Common Mistakes
- Using 'condolence' as countable singular ('a condolence') instead of uncountable or plural
- Using inappropriately informal contexts
- Confusing with 'congratulations' in spelling
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'condolence' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always use the plural 'condolences' in modern English when referring to expressions of sympathy.
Traditionally for death, but sometimes extended metaphorically for other profound losses (e.g., 'condolences on your team's defeat').
'Condolence' is more formal and specific to bereavement; 'sympathy' is broader and less formal.
Common responses: 'Thank you for your kindness,' 'I appreciate your sympathy,' or 'Thank you, that means a lot.'
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