Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “condolences” come from?

Condolences derives from English condole, from Latin cum meaning "with" combined with a root meaning "to grieve," expressing sympathetic sorrow shared with another.

condolences (English): plural of condolence; API pl; comfort, support,...

Definitions

  1. plural of condolence; API pl; comfort, support,...

Ancestry of “condolences”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishcondolenceComfort, support or sympathy; An expression of...
2EnglishcondoleTo express sympathetic sorrow; to lament in...
3Latincondolēre—
4Latincōn-—
5Latincumwith, along with; at; -fold
6Old LatincomAlternative form of cum
7Proto-Italickomwith, along, at
8Proto-Indo-Europeanḱómbeside, near, by, with
9Proto-Indo-EuropeanḱeDeictic particle, here; Post-positional...
10Middle Englishkyt—
11Germankitt—
12Old High Germankuti—
13Proto-West Germanickwidugum, resin
14Proto-Germanickweduzresin
15Proto-Indo-Europeangʷet-resin, gum; to say, speak
16Proto-Indo-Europeangū-to bend; curve; arch; vault; to bow, bend, arch,...
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