From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishcondolencecon‧do‧lence /kənˈdəʊləns $ -ˈdoʊ-/ noun [countable usually plural, uncountable] MXSYMPATHIZEsympathy for someone who has had something bad happen to them, especially when someone has died a letter of condolencesend/offer your condolences (=formally express your sympathy when someone has died)
Examples from the Corpus
condolence• Nathan moved among the guests, offering drinks, accepting condolences.• He listened to the details of the deportations and offered his condolences.• Earlier, more than 2,500 people signed a book of condolence within an hour of its opening in Dublin.• a message of condolence• There will be an eerie mix of condolences and competition Sunday at the DuraLube 400.• The liberals regarded sending telegrams of condolence as a polite gesture.• I was able to talk with visitors offering condolences, to endure two memorial ceremonies without falling apart.• Our condolences go to his wife and family.send/offer your condolences• He listened to the details of the deportations and offered his condolences.• Derek debated whether to telephone Charlotte Ladram and offer his condolences, but, in the end, he decided not to.• I am sure that the House will join me in sending our condolences to his widow and children.• Edward's parents sent their condolences, attended the ceremony at chapel and graveside, and Mrs Thomas visited the widow.• He took Erlich's hand, as if he were a priest, offering his condolences.• After the service, the other mourners came to offer their condolences.• Friends of Sam have been on, wanting to speak to her, eager to offer their condolences.• May I take this opportunity to offer my condolences.Origin condolence (1600-1700) Late Latin condolere “to express sympathy”, from Latin com- ( → COM-) + dolere “to feel pain” 