Grieving: meaning, definitions and examples

😢
Add to dictionary

grieving

 

[ˈɡriːvɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

expressing sorrow

Feeling or showing deep sorrow or sadness, especially in response to a loss. It is a natural emotional response to losing someone or something important.

Synonyms

lamenting, mourning, sorrowing, suffering.

Examples of usage

  • She was still grieving for her late husband.
  • The family is grieving the loss of their beloved pet.
Context #2 | Noun

the process of mourning

The act or process of experiencing grief, usually related to the death of a loved one. It involves a range of emotions such as sadness, longing, and sometimes anger.

Synonyms

bereavement, mourning, sadness, sorrow.

Examples of usage

  • Grieving is a natural part of the healing process.
  • She went through a period of intense grieving after her father's passing.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Grieving is a natural response to loss and helps people process their feelings.
  • There are different stages of grief, such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, as described by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.
  • Everyone grieves differently; some people cry, while others may want to be alone or talk with friends.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have specific rituals for mourning, such as wearing black clothing or conducting memorial services.
  • In some cultures, there are set periods for grieving, like the Jewish practice of sitting shiva for seven days after a loss.
  • Certain traditions honor the deceased with offerings or celebrations on specific days, such as Día de los Muertos in Mexico.

Literature

  • Grieving is a common theme in literature, exploring human emotions and resilience; works like 'The Year of Magical Thinking' by Joan Didion delve into personal loss.
  • Poets often capture the essence of grief, like the famous lines from John Keats that reflect on love and loss.
  • Children’s books about grief, such as 'The Tenth Good Thing About Barney,' help young readers understand and process their feelings.

Health

  • Research shows that expressing feelings of grief can lead to better psychological health in the long run.
  • Support groups can provide comfort and understanding for those dealing with loss, helping individuals feel less alone.
  • Grieving can also affect physical health, as it may lead to changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels.

Art

  • Art has often served as an outlet for grieving; many artists create works that reflect their feelings of loss and remembrance.
  • Famous paintings, like Edvard Munch's 'The Scream,' symbolize deep emotional anguish, often linked to personal loss.
  • Music plays an essential role in processing grief, with numerous songs dedicated to loss and remembrance, providing solace to listeners.

Translations

Translations of the word "grieving" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lamentando

🇮🇳 शोकग्रस्त

🇩🇪 trauernd

🇮🇩 berduka

🇺🇦 в жалобі

🇵🇱 żałobny

🇯🇵 悲しんでいる

🇫🇷 endeuillé

🇪🇸 afligido

🇹🇷 yaslı

🇰🇷 슬퍼하는

🇸🇦 حزين

🇨🇿 truchlící

🇸🇰 smútiaci

🇨🇳 悲伤

🇸🇮 žalujoč

🇮🇸 syrgjandi

🇰🇿 қайғырып отырған

🇬🇪 გლოვის

🇦🇿 yas tutan

🇲🇽 afligido

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,118, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.