How to pronounce condolence
Say it like kun-DOH-luns. Condolence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce condolence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- DOH
- luns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Condolence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- DOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- lunsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of condolence
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: kun-DOH-luns.
What does condolence mean?
- Comfort, support or sympathy.“There was not much to do after the accident but offer what condolence I could.”
- An expression of comfort, support, or sympathy offered to the family and friends of somebody who has died.“I sent her a card expressing my condolences after her mother passed away.”
Where does condolence come from?
From condole + -ence, or from Middle French condoléance, or formed from the root of Latin condoleō (“to sympathize”), from con- (“together, with”) and doleō (“to hurt, suffer, have pain”).
Questions about saying condolence
How do you pronounce condolence?
Say kun-DOH-luns. The American pronunciation is /kənˈdoʊləns/. In British English it is /kənˈdəʊləns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in condolence?
Condolence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DOH). Broken into parts: kun · DOH · luns.
Is condolence pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /kənˈdəʊləns/ (kun-DOH-luns).