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Grieve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ข
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grieve

[ษกriหv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to feel deep sorrow

Grieve means to feel deep sorrow, especially due to a loss. It is a natural response to death, but can also be experienced in other situations of loss or disappointment. People grieve in their own ways, often going through stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Synonyms

lament, mourn, sorrow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grieve

Appropriate for describing deep emotional pain due to loss, especially of a loved one. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • She needed time to grieve after the passing of her mother
  • He grieved silently for his lost pet
mourn

Often used in formal contexts to discuss the act of expressing sorrow, particularly over a death. It can also relate to public expressions of grief.

  • They gathered to mourn their fallen leader
  • She mourned deeply for weeks after her friend's death
sorrow

A broad term that can be used formally or informally to describe a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or misfortune.

  • His face was full of sorrow when he heard the news
  • There was a palpable sense of sorrow at the memorial service
lament

Typically used in more formal or literary settings to express regret or sorrow over a loss. Can also refer to expressing disappointment about situations or conditions.

  • The poem laments the destruction of the ancient city
  • He lamented over the missed opportunities in his career

Examples of usage

  • She grieved for her grandmother for months after she passed away.
  • The family is still grieving the loss of their pet dog.
  • I grieve for the future we could have had together.
Context #2 | Noun

deep sorrow or sadness

As a noun, grieve refers to deep sorrow or sadness, especially in response to a loss. It can also be used to describe the process of grieving. Grief is a complex and individual experience that can manifest in various ways, including emotional, physical, and social symptoms.

Synonyms

heartache, sadness, sorrow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grieve

Used when someone is feeling deep emotional pain, especially due to the death of a loved one.

  • She continues to grieve the loss of her mother.
  • He needs time to grieve and come to terms with his feelings.
sorrow

Often associated with deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other serious events.

  • His sorrow was palpable after his partner left him.
  • She expressed her sorrow for those affected by the tragedy.
sadness

Describes a general feeling of being unhappy, which can be caused by various circumstances.

  • Her sadness was evident after she received the bad news.
  • There was a notable sadness in the air during the rainy day.
heartache

Refers to emotional stress or pain, often due to romantic problems or personal disappointments.

  • She felt a deep heartache when she realized the relationship was over.
  • Nothing could heal his heartache after losing his best friend.

Examples of usage

  • He was consumed by grief after the sudden death of his best friend.
  • The community came together to support each other through their shared grief.
  • The grief of losing a loved one can be overwhelming.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Grieving is a normal response to loss and can manifest in many ways, such as sadness, anger, or confusion.
  • Research indicates that people often go through five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
  • Itโ€™s common for grief to also affect physical health, leading to symptoms like fatigue or sleep disturbances.

Cultural Practices

  • Different cultures have unique rituals to help people cope with loss, from memorial services to communal gatherings.
  • In some societies, it's common to wear black clothing as a sign of mourning during a grieving period.
  • The Chinese practice of 'ๆธ…ๆ˜Ž' (Qingming), or Tomb-Sweeping Day, involves visiting and cleaning ancestorsโ€™ graves as a way to honor those who have passed.

Literature

  • Many classic works, such as Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', explore themes of grief and loss through the struggles of their characters.
  • Poetry often captures the essence of grieving; for instance, John Keats' 'Ode to a Nightingale' reflects on mortality and longing.
  • In modern literature, novels like 'The Year of Magical Thinking' by Joan Didion provide personal insights into the grieving process.

Science

  • Studies show that expressing griefโ€”whether through talking, writing, or artโ€”can aid in healing and emotional recovery.
  • Neuroscience suggests that grief can trigger changes in brain chemistry, impacting mood and emotional responses.
  • The act of grieving can be understood biologically as a way to adapt to significant life changes and reinforce social bonds.

Origin of 'grieve'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'griever', which means 'to burden' or 'to create sorrow'.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'gravis', meaning 'heavy' or 'serious', reflecting the emotional weight of loss.

The word 'grieve' originated from the Old French word 'grever', meaning 'to burden', which in turn came from the Latin word 'gravare', also meaning 'to burden'. Over time, the meaning of 'grieve' evolved to encompass the emotional burden of sorrow and loss. The concept of grieving has been a fundamental part of human experience throughout history, with rituals and customs developed to honor and process grief.

See also: grief, griefer, griefing, grievance.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,038, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.