Dolorously - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

sad manner

Dolorously describes an action done in a manner that expresses sorrow or grief. It emphasizes a profound sense of sadness or lamentation in the way something is done.

Synonyms

mournfully, sadly, sorrowfully, woefully.

Examples of usage

She spoke dolorously about her lost friend.
The music played dolorously, filling the room with a sense of melancholy.
He dolorously recounted the events of that tragic day.
They walked dolorously through the empty streets after the storm.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Charles Dickens often described characters as acting dolorously to emphasize their suffering and struggles in society.
Poets like Edgar Allan Poe used such expressions to evoke a sense of melancholy and to enhance mood in their narratives.

Psychology

Expressions of sorrow, like in music or literature, can help individuals process their own feelings of sadness.
Research indicates that recognizing and expressing dolorous emotions can be an important part of emotional healing.

Cultural Reflections

In various cultures, dolorously expressed feelings can be a way to honor those who have passed away, seen in mourning rituals.
The portrayal of sorrow in film and theater often captivates audiences, illustrating the depth of human experience.

Art

Famous paintings from the Romantic era often depicted dolorous scenes filled with vibrant emotions and dramatic landscapes.
Musical compositions in minor keys frequently express a dolorous sentiment, resonating with listeners’ feelings of pain or longing.

Origin of 'dolorously'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'dolor', meaning 'pain' or 'sorrow', linking it directly to feelings of grief.
It entered the English language in the late 19th century, reflecting a time when emotional expression became more prominent in literature and art.

The word 'dolorously' is derived from the Latin word 'dolor', which means 'pain' or 'sorrow'. This Latin term evolved into various forms in Romance languages, capturing the essence of suffering and grief. In English, 'dolor' entered the lexicon through Middle French, where it was used to express feelings of sadness. The adverbial form 'dolorously' likely emerged in the 19th century, gaining usage in literary and poetic contexts. It reflects not just emotional pain but also the ways in which that pain can be expressive and articulated in language and art. As a result, 'dolorously' became a powerful descriptor for actions or expressions imbued with deep sorrow.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,467, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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41464 petrodollar
41465 whipsawing
41466 blitzing
41467 dolorously
41468 coagulations
41469 coercer
41470 knucklehead
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Dolorously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations