Writing a condolence message can be difficult because of the deep emotion involved. You want to comfort and support, but not say something that will further sadden the recipient. Having a few condolence examples by your side will help you get started and add your own sense of sincerity thereafter. Let's take a look.

Ways to Express Condolence

There are many occasions when condolences are needed due to a death. There are also several ways of expressing condolence. You can send flowers, a gift, or a sympathy card. You can also donate money to a charity they supported, write in a condolences book, take food to the family of the deceased, or offer to help them in some other way.

The word "condolence" comes from the Latin "condolere," meaning "to suffer together." Sometimes the dictionary lists the word "pity" as a synonym, but "comfort," "commiseration," "sympathy," and "consolation" are better synonyms. It really means acknowledging a loss, showing sympathy, and empathizing with someone.

Expressing What You Feel

It's common to feel at a loss for words when something sad has happened in a friend or family member's life. Hopefully, these condolence examples will help you express how you feel and bring comfort to those in need:

Words seem inadequate to express our sadness over ___.
May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
We are deeply sorry to hear about the passing of ___.
___ brought so many gifts to our life. We will never forget ___.
May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you now.
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. You are in our prayers.
With deepest sympathy on the recent passing of ___.
We are saddened to hear of your sudden loss.
Our hearts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one.
Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of your loss.
I can't imagine the sadness you must be feeling from your loss.
Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for your loss.

Here are some condolences that are a little more formal and a bit longer:

Hold tight to memories for comfort. Lean on your friends for strength. And always remember how much you're loved.
Although no words can ease the loss you bear, know you're very close in our thoughts and prayers.
May the peace that comes from the memories of your love comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
We share your grief in this time with deep sympathy and condolences.
As you grieve, know we're remembering you and honoring the memory of ___.
In sorrow, we mourn those we've lost. In gratitude, we embrace those around us. In sympathy, we reach out to those who grieve.

Offering Comfort

It can be helpful to remind the person who's grieving that he or she isn't alone and others will miss their loved one as well. Here are some examples for these situations:

Just know that my arms are wrapped around you during this time of loss.

Their greatest joy was making others happy.
This planet will not be the same without ______.
May the sorrow you feel in your heart be lightened by the love that surrounds you.
If my hug was strong enough to take away your pain, I would start now and never stop.

Additional Quotes

Feel free to borrow from YourDictionary's collection of sympathy and death and dying quotes.

In the sympathy section, you might consider additions like, "What is lovely never dies," or, "Our souls sit close and silently within." Perhaps such sentiments will soothe your loved one's soul too.

If your friend or family member loves to read, especially the Harry Potter series, maybe you could tailor your condolence message with a simple line like, "Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love."

Touch the Tender-Hearted

In times that require condolence, it can feel like walking on eggshells. You want to tend to your tender-hearted loved one while - somehow - finding the right words. The above examples should help you gather your thoughts and soothe the soul a little.

Are you tasked with an even bigger request? Are you speaking at the funeral? This article will help you gather your thoughts and construct a speech that'll be well-received. Even if you're merely attending the funeral in solidarity, there are a few tips in there that will help you arrive with a clear mind and tongue that isn't tied.