Condolences

Condolences (from Latin con (with) + dolere (sorrow)) are an expression of sympathy to someone who is experiencing pain arising from death, deep mental anguish, or misfortune. Condolences (from Latin con (with) + dolere (sorrow)) are an expression of sympathy to someone who is experiencing pain arising from death, deep mental anguish, or misfortune. The use of the word 'condolences', in plural, is more common than 'condolence'. The reason for this habit is unclear, but it resembles our habit to send someone our 'regards', 'best wishes', greetings' (all plural), etc. When individuals condole, or offer their condolences to a particular situation or person, they are offering active, conscious support of that person or activity. This is often expressed by saying, 'Sorry'. Often, the English language expression 'My condolences' will be in a context, such as death of a friend's loved one, in which the one offering condolences is communicating a feeling of pity towards the unfortunate party. Expressions of condolence may also be used as sarcasm if one considers the complaining person to be exaggerating their suffering, especially when they appear to consider as tragic something that is relatively insignificant.