Condolence vs. Condolences: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Condolence is a singular noun referring to an expression of sympathy, especially on the occasion of a death. Condolences is its plural form, typically used to refer to multiple expressions of sympathy.
Key Differences
Condolence is a singular noun that refers to an expression of sympathy and sorrow towards someone who is experiencing grief, particularly due to the loss of a loved one. Condolences, the plural form, extends this expression to encompass multiple instances or forms of such sympathy expressions. While a condolence may be a singular gesture or message, condolences often represent a collection of sympathetic expressions from various individuals.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
In practice, condolence is often used to describe a specific act of sympathy, such as a personal letter or a specific gesture of support. Condolences, on the other hand, typically refer to a wider range of sympathetic actions and words, often involving multiple people expressing their grief support, such as in a condolence card signed by several individuals.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
The use of condolence is typically more formal and may appear in singular official statements or documents expressing sympathy. In contrast, condolences are commonly used in everyday language and social interactions, reflecting the collective sympathy of a group, family, or community towards the bereaved.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
The choice between condolence and condolences can also reflect the depth or breadth of the expression. A single, heartfelt condolence might be deeply personal and individual, whereas offering condolences can suggest a broader, communal sharing of grief and support.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
In summary, while condolence focuses on a singular expression of sympathy, condolences encompass a wider array of expressions. Whether one uses condolence or condolences can depend on the context, the formality of the situation, and the relationship to the bereaved.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Common Use
Formal writing, specific expressions
Common in verbal/written sympathies
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Nov 14, 2023
Cultural Perception
Formal, individualized sympathy
Standard, socially appropriate
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Nov 14, 2023
Expression Form
Singular sentiment, e.g., a letter
Multiple sentiments, e.g., in cards
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Condolence and Condolences Definitions
Condolence
Empathetic understanding of someone's pain
Her condolence in my time of grief was comforting.
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Nov 11, 2023
Condolences
Multiple gestures of support during grief
Offering condolences is a way to show care.
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Nov 11, 2023
Condolence
An expression of sorrow or sympathy
A condolence can be a powerful gesture of support.
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Nov 11, 2023
Condolences
Collective sympathy expressions for a loss
Condolences poured in from around the world.
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Nov 11, 2023
Condolence
Sympathy conveyed to a bereaved person
He offered a quiet word of condolence at the funeral.
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Nov 11, 2023
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Condolences
Words or actions expressing shared grief
Their condolences were a source of comfort in difficult times.
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Nov 11, 2023
Condolence
Comfort given to someone who has suffered a loss
His condolence was felt in his warm embrace.
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Nov 11, 2023
Condolences
Expressions of sympathy or sorrow
The family received many condolences after the news broke.
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Nov 11, 2023
Condolence
A message of sympathy, especially for a death
She sent a condolence card to her friend.
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Nov 11, 2023
Condolences
Sympathetic messages, especially during bereavement
She appreciated the heartfelt condolences from friends.
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Nov 11, 2023
Condolence
Sympathy with a person who has experienced pain, grief, or misfortune
Paid a visit of condolence to the grieving family.
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Oct 19, 2023
Condolences
Sympathy with a person who has experienced pain, grief, or misfortune
Paid a visit of condolence to the grieving family.
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Oct 19, 2023
Condolence
Often condolences An expression or declaration of such sympathy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Condolences
Often condolences An expression or declaration of such sympathy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Condolence
(uncountable) Comfort, support or sympathy.
There was not much to do after the accident but offer what condolence I could.
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Oct 19, 2023
Condolence
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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Condolences
Comfort, support, or sympathy offered especially to the family and friends of somebody who has died.
I sent her a card expressing my condolences after her mother passed away.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Condolence
Expression of sympathy with another in sorrow or grief.
Their congratulations and their condolences.
A special mission of condolence.
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Oct 19, 2023
Condolences
Expressing sympathy to someone, especially after learning of a close death.
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Oct 19, 2023
Condolence
An expression of sympathy with another's grief;
They sent their condolences
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is condolence?
It's an expression of sympathy, often for someone's loss.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Why do people say 'my condolences'?
It's a common way to express personal sympathy.
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Nov 14, 2023
Is it appropriate to say "a condolence"?
Yes, when referring to a single expression of sympathy.
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Nov 14, 2023
How do you use condolences in a sentence?
"I offer my deepest condolences for your loss."
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Nov 14, 2023
Can condolences be expressed for events other than death?
Yes, for any serious loss or sorrow.
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Nov 14, 2023
Are condolences always related to death?
Primarily, but they can also be for any significant loss or misfortune.
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Nov 14, 2023
Can I write 'condolences' in a sympathy card?
Yes, it's a suitable expression in sympathy cards.
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Nov 14, 2023
Is condolence a formal expression?
It can be both formal and informal, depending on context.
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Nov 14, 2023
Can condolence be humorous?
Rarely, as it's typically a serious expression.
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Nov 14, 2023
Is 'condolences' a universal term?
It's widely understood, but cultural expressions of sympathy vary.
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Nov 14, 2023
What's an example of condolence in a sentence?
"He expressed his condolence at her mother's funeral."
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Nov 14, 2023
How soon should condolences be offered?
As soon as possible after learning of the loss.
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Nov 14, 2023
Are condolence messages always sad?
Generally, but they can also include comforting or hopeful elements.
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Nov 14, 2023
What's the origin of the word 'condolence'?
It comes from Latin 'condolere', meaning 'to suffer with'.
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Nov 14, 2023
Can condolences be non-verbal?
Yes, through gestures like hugs or sending flowers.
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Nov 14, 2023
Are there different types of condolence messages?
Yes, ranging from personal notes to formal letters.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Is it better to say condolence or condolences?
'Condolences' is more common in modern usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 14, 2023
Can I offer condolences online?
Yes, it's common to express condolences digitally.
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Nov 14, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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