Condolence is an expression of sympathy and sorrow when someone experiences a loss, especially when someone they love has died. When you offer condolences, you're telling someone that you feel sad for them and care about their pain.

You might say “I'm so sorry for your loss” or “You have my condolences” to a classmate whose grandmother died. At funerals, people often wait in a receiving line to offer condolences to the grieving family. These moments can feel awkward because no words can truly fix the sadness, but they matter because they show the person isn't alone.

Condolences aren't about making the sad person feel better instantly. They're about acknowledging the reality of loss and showing you care. A condolence card, a gentle hug, or simply being present can mean more than elaborate speeches.

Notice that condolence usually appears in plural form: you offer condolences, not “a condolence.” This reflects how sympathy comes in many small gestures and words, not just one single action. When tragedy strikes, offering sincere condolences is one way to support people through their darkest moments.