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Doleful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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doleful

[ˈdoʊl.fəl ]

Definition

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

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling doleful can be a natural response to loss or disappointment, indicating the body's way of coping with emotional pain.
  • Expressing feelings of sadness helps in processing grief and allows for healing over time.
  • Chronic feelings of sadness, if prolonged, may relate to mood disorders like depression that can impact daily living.

Literature

  • In literature, characters described as doleful often evoke empathy from readers, illustrating deep emotional struggles.
  • Famous works like Shakespeare's plays include characters who display doleful characteristics, highlighting themes of tragedy and loss.
  • The use of the term adds to the imagery in poetry, often used to describe landscapes that reflect a character's inner turmoil.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often capture the essence of being doleful, resonating with listeners who have experienced heartache or sorrow.
  • In movies, a doleful character can drive the plot, often leading to redemption or personal growth.
  • The visual arts often portray doleful expressions to convey emotional depth and invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences.

Common Usage

  • The word is often used in contexts related to mourning or deep sadness.
  • In everyday conversation, describing someone's demeanor as doleful indicates their unhappy mood.
  • The term can appear in formal and informal settings, making it versatile in expressing emotion.

Origin of 'doleful'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'doleful', which means 'full of sorrow'.
  • It is derived from the Old English 'dola', meaning 'sadness' or 'grief'.
  • The prefix 'do-' comes from an Old English term meaning 'to suffer' or 'to grieve'.

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 '*dōljaz', 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.