Alack: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
alack
[ ษหlรฆk ]
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
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:
๐ต๐น ai de mim
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคนเคเคเคพเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช ach
๐ฎ๐ฉ sayang
๐บ๐ฆ ะฐั
๐ต๐ฑ ach
๐ฏ๐ต ใใ
๐ซ๐ท hรฉlas
๐ช๐ธ ay
๐น๐ท ah
๐ฐ๐ท ์์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุขู
๐จ๐ฟ ach
๐ธ๐ฐ ach
๐จ๐ณ ๅ
๐ธ๐ฎ ah
๐ฎ๐ธ รก
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ ah
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.
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