Elegiacal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
elegiacal
[หelษชหdสaษชษkl ]
Definition
literary tone
Elegiacal refers to a tone or mood that is melancholic or sorrowful, often used in poetry and literature to express grief or lamentation. It is derived from the form of poetry known as elegy, which mourns the loss of someone or something.
Synonyms
lamenting, melancholic, mournful, sorrowful.
Examples of usage
- The elegiacal verses captured the deep sense of loss felt by the poet.
- Her elegiacal tone resonated with the audience, evoking shared memories of the departed.
- The film's elegiacal moments paid tribute to the lost generations.
- His elegiacal style is evident in his reflections on the past.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Famous examples of elegiac poetry include 'Lycidas' by John Milton and 'In Memoriam' by Alfred Lord Tennyson.
- Writers often use elegiac tones to evoke feelings of nostalgia and remembrance in their works.
- Elegiac poetry not only reflects loss but also celebrates the life of the person, balancing sorrow with remembrance.
Art
- The theme of loss in an elegiac work is often visually represented in art, using muted colors to evoke somber feelings.
- Many paintings have been inspired by elegiac poetry, capturing the emotions conveyed through a single frame.
- Music composers also create elegiac pieces that resonate with themes of mourning, blending lyrics and melody to deepen the experience of sadness.
Psychology
- Writing or reading elegiac works can have therapeutic effects, helping people process grief and loss.
- Recognizing and expressing feelings of sorrow through elegiac art can aid in emotional healing.
- The elegiac tone invites individuals to confront their feelings, promoting a healthy grieving process.
Origin of 'elegiacal'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek word 'elegeia', originally referring to a type of poem that expresses grief.
- In ancient Greece, elegies were often recited at funerals, showing their deep roots in mourning practices.
- The word 'elegiac' has been used since the 16th century, highlighting its long-standing significance in literature.
The term 'elegiacal' derives from the noun 'elegy,' which comes from the Greek word 'elegeia,' meaning 'a song of lament.' 'Elegeia' is formed from 'elegos,' meaning 'a lament,' which reflects the word's roots in the tradition of mourning and remembrance. Historically, elegies have been written to honor the dead, capturing the emotional weight of loss. This has evolved into the broader use of the adjective 'elegiacal' to describe any expression or tone that conveys sadness or mourning. The concept has permeated various forms of art and literature, shaping how we articulate grief in cultural contexts.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,182, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.