Is condole a common word in spoken English?

No. It is quite formal and rare in everyday conversation.

What is the difference between condole and console?

Condole means to express sympathy. Console means to comfort someone who is upset.

Can I say “I condole with you”?

You can, but it sounds formal and old-fashioned. “I’m sorry for your loss” is more natural.

← Dictionary

condole

/kənˈdəʊl/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To express sympathy for someone's grief or loss. It is formal and not common in everyday speech.

We condoled with her after the funeral.
They condoled the bereaved family.
The manager condoled the team on their loss.

Adinary Nuance

Condole is more formal and less common than sympathize or comfort. It focuses on expressing sympathy after a loss, not on giving practical help. In modern speech, people usually say “offer condolences” instead.

In other languages

Vietnamese: chia buồn
Spanish: dar el pésame
Chinese: 表示哀悼
Japanese: お悔やみを述べる
Korean: 조의를 표하다

Etymology

From Latin condolere, meaning “to grieve with.” It entered English in the late 16th century, mainly in formal writing.

Common phrases

condole with someonecondole over a losscondole with the family

Synonyms

sympathize commiserate console

Frequently asked questions

Is condole a common word in spoken English?: No. It is quite formal and rare in everyday conversation.
What is the difference between condole and console?: Condole means to express sympathy. Console means to comfort someone who is upset.
Can I say “I condole with you”?: You can, but it sounds formal and old-fashioned. “I’m sorry for your loss” is more natural.