Comforting vs. Sympathizing: Understanding Console and Condole

Difference Between “Console” and “Condole”

History of the Words

“Console” comes from a French word “consoler,” which means to make someone feel better. “Condole” comes from a Latin word “condolēre,” which means to feel sadness together with someone.

How to Use “Console”

“Console” means to comfort someone who is sad. When you console someone, you try to make them feel better.

Example Sentences for “Console”

• Lisa tried to console her friend who was crying.
• He brought flowers to console his sad aunt.
• The teacher consoled the student after they lost the game.
• Mom consoles me with a hug when I’m upset.
• The dog stayed by his side to console him.

How to Use “Condole”

“Condole” is a kind way to say you share someone’s sadness, often after a big loss. It is used alongside words like “with” or “someone.”

Example Sentences for “Condole”

• She went to condole with her neighbor who lost his pet.
• He called to condole with his friend after the funeral.
• The community came together to condole with the family.
• I wrote a letter to condole with my classmate.
• They visited to condole with the family after hearing the news.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Remember: “Console” means to make someone feel better. “Condole” means to share in someone’s sadness.

Summary

Use “console” when you try to comfort someone who is sad. Use “condole” when you give your sympathy to someone who is saddened, often after a loss. Both actions show care, but they are used in slightly different ways. Console is to help the sadness, condole is to acknowledge the sadness.