condole
UK: kənˈdəʊl | US: kənˈdoʊl
vi. to express sympathy or sorrow, especially for someone’s loss
condole = con<together> + dole<sorrow>
- con: A Latin prefix meaning "together" or "with," often used to indicate joint action or shared experience.
- dole: Derived from Latin dolere ("to grieve" or "suffer"), this root conveys the idea of sorrow or pain.
Etymology Origin:
The word condole originates from Latin condolere ("to suffer together"), combining con- (together) and dolere (to grieve). It entered English in the late 16th century, reflecting the act of sharing another’s grief—a concept deeply rooted in communal empathy. The morphemes con- and -dole remain transparent in modern usage, directly linking the word’s structure to its meaning of shared sorrow.
Friends gathered to condole with her after the sudden loss of her father.
He wrote a letter to condole with the family during their difficult time.
It is customary to condole with bereaved colleagues in our culture.
She quietly condoled with the widow at the funeral.
The community came together to condole and offer support.