Bewail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
bewail
[bษชหweษชl ]
Definitions
expressing sorrow or grief
to express deep sorrow or grief over something
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bewail |
Suitable for very emotional situations where someone expresses their sorrow with loud cries or complaints. Often used in literary contexts.
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| lament |
Used to express deep regret or sorrow, and can be used in both personal and public contexts. It often suggests a more solemn and reflective tone.
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| mourn |
Commonly used when speaking about the formal expression of grief, especially after someone's death. It is often seen in both personal and public settings.
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| grieve |
Appropriate when referring to the deep sorrow felt, typically over a death or serious loss. Can be used in both personal and formal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He bewailed the death of his beloved pet cat.
- She bewailed the loss of her job.
complaining about something
to complain about something loudly and bitterly
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bewail |
This word is often used in more formal or literary settings to express deep sorrow or regret over something.
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| complain |
A common, everyday word used to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.
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| bemoan |
This is used when expressing discontent or sorrow, often in a somewhat rhetorical or exaggerated way.
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| grumble |
Typically used informally to describe someone expressing a low-level, ongoing dissatisfaction, often in a quiet or muttering way.
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Examples of usage
- She bewailed the state of the economy.
- He bewailed the injustice of the decision.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many poets and writers used the act of bewailing to convey emotions of loss, such as Shakespeare in his tragedies.
- In various literary works, characters often bewail their circumstances, highlighting their internal conflicts and sorrow.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, bewailing is part of mourning rituals, expressing collective grief for a loss.
- Musical traditions have songs of lamentation that encapsulate the essence of bewailing, found in blues and folk music.
Psychology
- Expressing feelings of sorrow, like bewailing, is a natural part of healing from grief and loss.
- Psychologists often encourage people to vocalize their feelings as a healthy way to process their emotions.
Pop Culture
- Movies often portray characters who bewail their losses, making scenes powerful and relatable for audiences.
- Songs that express sorrowful emotions often use the concept of bewailing to connect with listeners' feelings.
Origin of 'bewail'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English term 'biwรฆlan,' which means 'to lament' or 'to cry out.'
- It's formed by combining 'be-' (a prefix meaning 'about') with 'wail,' which relates to expressing grief.
The word 'bewail' dates back to Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'bewวฃlan', meaning 'to lament'. The prefix 'be-' intensifies the meaning of 'wail', which itself means 'to express sorrow audibly'. Over time, 'bewail' has retained its essence of expressing deep sorrow or grief, as well as complaining loudly about something.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #29,367, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
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- 29367 bewail
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- 29369 photocell
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- ...