Doleful: meaning, definitions and examples

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doleful

 

[ หˆdoสŠl.fษ™l ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling sad

Doleful is an adjective that describes a state of deep sadness or mournfulness. It can refer to a person's facial expression or demeanor, indicating sorrow or regret. This term is often used to convey a sense of despondency or unhappiness that is evident to others. The word evokes a strong emotional response, often related to grief or a sense of loss.

Synonyms

dejected, melancholy, mournful, sorrowful

Examples of usage

  • She gave a doleful look after hearing the news.
  • The movie's ending left everyone in a doleful mood.
  • His voice was doleful as he recounted his experiences.
  • The portrait captured the subject's doleful expression perfectly.

Translations

Translations of the word "doleful" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น triste

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคฆเคพเคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช traurig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sedih

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ััƒะผะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ smutny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ‚ฒใ—ใ„

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท triste

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ triste

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รผzgรผn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์Šฌํ”ˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญุฒูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ smutnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ smutnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‚ฒไผค็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ลพalosten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ daufur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐะนา“ั‹ะปั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ”แƒ•แƒ“แƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kษ™dษ™rli

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ triste

Word origin

The word 'doleful' originates from the Middle English term 'doleful,' which itself derives from the Old English 'dol', meaning 'sorrowful' or 'mournful.' The root of the word can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic '*dลljaz', associating it with feelings of grief. Throughout the centuries, 'doleful' has been used in literature and poetry to evoke tragic or emotional themes, particularly in connection with loss or sadness. As language evolved, 'doleful' retained its strong connotation of sorrow and has appeared in notable works by authors such as Shakespeare and John Milton, illustrating its longstanding presence in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,089, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.