Dolefully: meaning, definitions and examples

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dolefully

 

[ˈdoʊlfəli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

expression of sadness

Dolefully is used to describe an action done in a sorrowful or mournful manner. It captures a deep sense of sadness that can be visualized in the body language or voice of the person performing the action. For instance, when someone speaks or behaves dolefully, they convey a heavy heart, reflecting their feelings of loss or disappointment. It's often used in literary contexts to evoke empathy from the audience.

Synonyms

glumly, mournfully, sadly, sorrowfully.

Examples of usage

  • She looked dolefully at the empty playground.
  • He spoke dolefully about the loss of his friend.
  • The dog gazed up at her dolefully, begging for attention.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 'Dole' comes from the Old English 'dālan', meaning to divide or share, often associated with sharing sadness.
  • The suffix '-fully' makes it an adverb, changing the word to describe an action done in a sorrowful way.

Literature

  • Many poems capture a sense of longing and sadness, often using the word to convey deep emotional experiences.
  • In classic literature, characters expressing feelings of loss often do so in a dolefully manner, enhancing the themes of despair.

Psychology

  • Expressing emotions like sadness can be therapeutic, and using words like 'dolefully' helps articulate those feelings.
  • Doleful expressions in body language, such as slow movements and downcast eyes, are often recognized as indicators of emotional distress.

Cultural Usage

  • Songs that explore themes of heartbreak and loss frequently incorporate the term, resonating with listeners' feelings.
  • In film and theater, a character's doleful demeanor can starkly contrast with the happiness around them, emphasizing their isolation.

Music

  • Many ballads and folk songs use 'dolefully' to describe the singer’s mournful attitude towards lost love or tragedy.
  • The sound of a slow, melancholic tune often evokes a sense of being doleful, reflecting the mood conveyed by the word.

Translations

Translations of the word "dolefully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tristemente

🇮🇳 दुखी तरीके से

🇩🇪 traurig

🇮🇩 dengan sedih

🇺🇦 сумно

🇵🇱 smutnie

🇯🇵 悲しそうに (kanashisō ni)

🇫🇷 tristement

🇪🇸 tristemente

🇹🇷 üzüntüyle

🇰🇷 슬프게 (seulpeuge)

🇸🇦 بكآبة (bika'abah)

🇨🇿 smutně

🇸🇰 smutne

🇨🇳 悲伤地 (bēishāng de)

🇸🇮 žalostno

🇮🇸 þunglyndislega

🇰🇿 қайғылы түрде

🇬🇪 დარდიანად (dardianad)

🇦🇿 kədərli şəkildə

🇲🇽 tristemente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,011 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.