Basic Details
Word: Condolence
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An expression of sympathy, especially when someone has lost a loved one.
Synonyms: Sympathy, commiseration, solace
Antonyms: Indifference, apathy
Idioms and Phrases
- Offer one's condolences: To express sorrow for someone's loss. Example: "At the funeral, many people came to offer their condolences to the family."
- In mourning: To feel sorrow or grief for someone who has died. Example: "She was in mourning for her grandmother, wearing black to honour her memory."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After hearing the bad news, I sent a card to express my condolences to the family.
Example 2: The school organised a memorial service to show their condolences for the student who had passed away.
Example 3: Friends and neighbours brought meals over to help during the time of mourning and offer their condolences.
Fun Fact
The word "condolence" comes from the Latin word "condolere," which means "to suffer together." This highlights the idea of sharing the grief suffered by someone who has lost a loved one.
Famous Quote
"To hold you in my heart is to hold you in my soul." - Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "condolence" mean?
a) A celebration of life
b) An expression of sympathy
c) A type of greeting
d) A financial aid
Answer: b) An expression of sympathy
2. Which of these is a synonym of "condolence"?
a) Indifference
b) Sympathy
c) Happiness
d) Anger
Answer: b) Sympathy
3. Which word is an antonym of "condolence"?
a) Sympathy
b) Apathy
c) Commiseration
d) Solace
Answer: b) Apathy
4. Which sentence correctly uses "condolence"?
a) I sent my condolences to show that I care about their loss.
b) She was happy to receive condolences at her birthday party.
c) The team won the match with condolences on their side.
d) Our family went for a hike to express condolences.
Answer: a) I sent my condolences to show that I care about their loss.
5. What does it mean to "offer condolences"?
a) To celebrate
b) To ignore someone
c) To express sorrow for someone’s loss
d) To make new friends
Answer: c) To express sorrow for someone’s loss
