Condolere

Condolere is a Latin verb meaning to feel with or to mourn with someone; to share in another person’s sorrow. The form derives from con- meaning together or with, and dolere meaning to grieve or feel pain. In classical Latin, the word appears with the sense of grieving in unison with another, often in expressions of sympathy or communal lament.

In English, condolere is the etymological source of the verb condol e, which is typically written as condole. The English form is used in a formal or ceremonial context to express sympathy for someone who has experienced misfortune or death. The verb is commonly found in phrases such as condole with someone or condole in response to a loss, and its related noun condolence denotes an expression of sympathy.

Usage notes and variants: condole is a direct, polite verb and is more formal than everyday phrases like sympathize or offer condolences. The usual construction in English is condole with the bereaved or offer condolences to the family. The noun form, condolence, is widely used in communications, speeches, and written notices following a death or serious misfortune.

See also: condolences, sympathy, mourning. While condole retains a distinctly formal tone, its meaning aligns with the broader human practice of sharing in others’ grief and offering support during difficult times.