French word

condoléance

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃doleɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncondolences

Example

Je vous présente mes condoléances.

I offer you my condolences.

Illustration for condoléance (condolences)

More examples

Toutes mes condoléances en ces moments difficiles.

My condolences during these difficult times.

Core concept

A hand held beside someone carrying the weight of bereavement.

Common phrases

  • adresser ses condoléances

    offer one's condolences

  • exprimer ses condoléances

    express one's condolences

  • toutes mes condoléances

    my condolences

Similar words

sympathie: Understanding and kindness shown toward another person's feelings.
compassion: Deep sympathy for a suffering person, along with a wish to help.
soutien: Practical help or encouragement for someone in mourning.

Definition in French

Désigne l'expression de sympathie ou le partage de la peine envers quelqu'un qui a perdu un être cher.

Word origin

French condoléance derives from Latin condolentia, from condolere, formed with com- meaning 'together' and dolere meaning 'to grieve'.

Usage tips

  • French normally uses the plural in mes condoléances or toutes mes condoléances, even for one expression of sympathy.

Opposites

  • félicitationscongratulationsnoun

Word lists with this word