Elegiac Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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elegiac
[ˌɛlɪˈdʒaɪ.ək ]
Definition
poetic expression
Elegiac refers to a tone or quality that expresses sorrow or lamentation, particularly in the context of poetry or literature. It is often used to describe works that mourn the loss of someone or something significant. The word is frequently associated with themes of nostalgia and reflection. Elegiac poetry typically captures the essence of grief and remembrance, evoking deep emotional responses from the audience.
Synonyms
lamenting, mournful, sorrowful, wistful.
Examples of usage
- The elegiac verses moved everyone in the audience.
- Her elegiac tone reflected the sadness of lost love.
- He wrote an elegiac poem in memory of his friend.
Translations
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Origin of 'elegiac'
The word 'elegiac' comes from the Latin term 'elegiacus', and further back from the Greek word 'elegiakos', which derived from 'elegeia' meaning a song of mourning or a lament. The root 'elegy' describes a poem or song lamenting the dead. Historically, elegiac poetry was characterized by its use of a specific meter known as the elegiac couplet, which consists of a line of dactylic hexameter followed by a line of pentameter. It was popularized in ancient Greece and was often used in epigraphs and funerary inscriptions. Over time, the term 'elegiac' has evolved to describe not only the metric form but also a tone of mourning in various literary contexts, making it a significant element in the study of poetry and literature.