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Dirge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dirge

[dɜːrdʒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

funeral music

A dirge is a somber song or lament expressing mourning or grief, typically performed at a funeral or memorial service. It is characterized by its slow and mournful melody, often accompanied by lyrics that reflect sorrow and loss.

Synonyms

funeral song, lament, requiem.

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Word Description / Examples
dirge

A slow, mournful song, often associated with funerals and expressing sorrow or lamentation.

  • The band played a dirge as the casket was carried to the grave
lament

A passionate expression of grief or sorrow, which can be in the form of a song, poem, or speech.

  • She wrote a lament for her lost love, pouring her heart into every verse
requiem

A musical composition or mass dedicated to the deceased, often performed in a religious context.

  • The choir performed a beautiful requiem in memory of the soldiers who had fallen in battle
funeral song

A song specifically performed at a funeral ceremony to honor the deceased.

  • As the funeral procession moved forward, a funeral song echoed softly through the air

Examples of usage

  • The sound of the dirge filled the church as mourners paid their final respects.
  • The haunting dirge echoed through the cemetery, adding to the melancholy atmosphere.
  • The choir sang a beautiful dirge in honor of the deceased at the memorial service.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'dirge'

The word 'dirge' originated from the Latin 'dirige', which means 'direct', and was used in the opening of the 7th verse of Psalm 5 in the Latin Vulgate Bible. Over time, it evolved to refer specifically to funeral music or songs of mourning. Dirges have been a part of funeral traditions in various cultures for centuries, serving as a means to express sorrow and pay tribute to the deceased.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,186, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.