Bemoan - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

express discontent or sorrow

To bemoan is to express deep grief, sorrow, or disappointment. It often involves lamenting or complaining about a situation or outcome.

Synonyms

complain, deplore, lament.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bemoan	Use this word when expressing deep sorrow or disappointment about something, often with a sense of regret. She bemoaned the loss of her favorite bracelet. They bemoaned the decline in quality of the neighborhood schools.
lament	Use this word for expressing deep grief or sorrow, often in a formal or poetic context. It is suitable for serious and emotional situations. He lamented the passing of his childhood friend with a heavy heart. The poet lamented the destruction caused by the war.
complain	This word is used for expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about something. It is more general and can be applied to everyday situations. He complained about the noise coming from the construction site. She always complains when her food is cold.
deplore	This word is suitable for expressing strong disapproval or condemnation of something, often from a moral standpoint. The community deplored the corrupt actions of their local politician. She deplores the rising levels of pollution in the city.

Examples of usage

She would often bemoan the lack of support from her colleagues.
The fans bemoaned the team's loss in the championship game.

Interesting Facts

Literature

In Shakespeare's works, characters often bemoan their fates, expressing deep feelings about their situations.
Many poets have used the word to illustrate grief, making it a powerful expression in verses.

Psychology

Bemoaning can be a part of the grieving process, allowing people to acknowledge their feelings of loss.
Expressing sadness through bemoaning can sometimes lead to emotional relief, helping individuals process their feelings.

Pop Culture

The word often appears in song lyrics, where artists bemoan lost love, missed opportunities, or life’s challenges.
In modern media, characters might bemoan their situation for comedic effect, highlighting the absurdity of their circumstances.

Cultural Differences

In some cultures, openly bemoaning misfortunes is a communal activity, as friends and family gather to provide support.
Conversely, in other cultures, expressing sadness may be less encouraged, with an emphasis placed on maintaining a positive outlook.

Origin of 'bemoan'

Main points about word origin

Originates from Middle English 'bemoanen', which is a combination of 'be-' meaning 'about' and 'moan', which means to express sadness.
The word combines elements from Old English, where 'mōnan' means to complain or lament.

The word 'bemoan' originated from the Middle English word 'bimōnen', which came from the Old English word 'bemǣnan'. The prefix 'be-' signifies 'about, around', while 'mǣnan' means 'complain, moan'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in Modern English.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,061 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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31058 machismo
31059 electroscope
31060 eyelet
31061 bemoan
31062 inconceivably
31063 ambuscade
31064 mammogram
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Bemoan Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations