Dolefully: meaning, definitions and examples
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dolefully
[ˈdoʊlfəli ]
Definition
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.
- ...
- 34008 disfranchise
- 34009 auctioning
- 34010 suspenseful
- 34011 dolefully
- 34012 tangibly
- 34013 filched
- 34014 inflammability
- ...