Alack: meaning, definitions and examples

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alack

 

[ ษ™หˆlรฆk ]

Interjection
Context #1 | Interjection

expression of sorrow

Alack is an old exclamation used to express regret or dismay. It was more common in earlier forms of English, particularly in literature from the 16th and 17th centuries, often appearing in poetry and dramatic works.

Synonyms

alas, oh dear, woe

Examples of usage

  • Alack, how my heart aches!
  • Alack, I have lost my way.
  • Alack, that such joy should be so fleeting.

Translations

Translations of the word "alack" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ai de mim

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคนเค‚เค•เคพเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ach

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sayang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐั…

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ach

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ใ‚

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hรฉlas

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ay

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ah

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„์•„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุขู‡

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ach

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ach

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ”‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ah

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รก

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐั…

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ah

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ay

Etymology

The term 'alack' originates from a combination of the exclamatory terms 'a' and 'lack', which conveys a sense of loss or yearning. Its usage can be traced back to Middle English, where it was often used in literary contexts. As English evolved, the term became less common, but it remained a powerful expression of lamentation in poetry and plays, particularly those of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Despite its decline in everyday usage, 'alack' has endured in literary references as a poignant reminder of the emotional weight of regret and sorrow.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,730, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.