Condoled - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

express sympathy

To condole means to express sympathy or sorrow, particularly in the context of someone's death or loss. It involves providing comfort and support to someone who is grieving. The act of condoling can be personal, such as offering words of comfort in a conversation, or it can take the form of a card or message. Condoling is often seen as a vital social duty during times of mourning, as it helps to acknowledge the loss and provide emotional support to those affected.

Synonyms

comfort, console, support, sympathize.

Examples of usage

She condoled with him after the loss of his father.
The community came together to condole the grieving family.
He sent a letter to condole the passing of her mother.
Friends gathered to condole after the tragic news.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

Various cultures have unique rituals for condolence, such as the Chinese practice of wearing a white ribbon, symbolizing mourning.
In many Western traditions, sending flowers is a popular way to express condolence, believed to signify the fragility of life.
In some Indigenous cultures, there is often a community gathering to share stories of the deceased, strengthening bonds and providing support.

Psychology

Offering condolences can help alleviate feelings of isolation for those grieving, reminding them that they are not alone in their sorrow.
Empathizing with someone who has lost a loved one can lead to significant emotional healing and foster resilience.
Research shows that receiving condolences can positively impact the grieving process, encouraging individuals to share their feelings.

Literature

The act of condoling is often depicted in literature as a powerful moment that reflects the depth of human relationships, as seen in novels like 'The Fault in Our Stars.'
Shakespeare often included scenes of mourning and condolence, illustrating the human experience of loss across his plays.
Many poets have captured the essence of condolence in their work, showing how words can provide comfort during difficult times.

Social Media

In the digital age, many people express condolences through social media platforms, allowing for widespread support and connection.
Emojis, such as a heart or a candle, have become commonly used to convey sympathy online, adapting the traditional response to modern communication.
Virtual condolence messages can sometimes lack the personal touch of a handwritten note, leading to discussions on the effectiveness of digital versus traditional sympathy.

Origin of 'condoled'

Main points about word origin

The word 'condole' comes from the Latin 'condolere,' meaning 'to suffer together,' highlighting a sense of shared sorrow.
In the 14th century, the term began to be used in English literature to express feelings of sympathy during times of mourning.
The prefix 'con-' means 'together' while 'dolere' means 'to suffer,' underscoring the collective experience of grief.

The word 'condole' originates from the Latin 'condolere', which means 'to suffer together' or 'to grieve with'. This Latin term combines the prefix 'con-', meaning 'with', and 'dolere', meaning 'to grieve or to suffer'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century and has since evolved in usage to convey the act of expressing sympathy towards someone who is experiencing sadness or loss. Over the centuries, the term has been adopted into various forms of communication, especially in contexts of bereavement and mourning, highlighting its importance in offering emotional support and solace.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,579, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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38576 jigged
38577 daikon
38578 extravert
38579 condoled
38580 insatiably
38581 alluringly
38582 bangers
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Condoled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations