Words / B2

k-uh-n-DOHL-uh-ns/kənˈdəʊləns/

Condolence is sympathy expressed when someone has died (often condolences in the plural): a letter of condolence; offer condolences. Sympathy is broader; congratulations is the opposite occasion. The letter of condolence is a source, not a template to invent facts. Mix-up: consolation; condone (already in the dictionary). Do not send condolences for a lottery win.

Meaning

Sympathy expressed when someone has died (often condolences in the plural).

Examples

• “The letter of condolence is a source, not a template to invent facts.”
• “They offered condolences in the minutes, which is the plural-formula sense.”

Good to know

a letter of condolence; offer / express condolences. Broader: sympathy. Trap: condone / consolation. News, RS, and letters. Sympathy after a death, not general pity.

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