Jeremiad: meaning, definitions and examples

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jeremiad

 

[ หŒdส’ษ›r.ษชหˆmaษช.รฆd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

literary criticism

A jeremiad is a long, mournful complaint or lamentation, often one that expresses a deep sense of sadness or disappointment. It is typically characterized by a tone of criticism toward societal ills or moral decline, drawing upon themes of loss and despair. The term is derived from the biblical prophet Jeremiah, who is known for his sorrows over the fate of his people. Jeremiads often serve as warnings about the consequences of neglecting moral duties and responsibilities.

Synonyms

censure, complaint, diatribe, lamentation, protest.

Examples of usage

  • The author's latest novel is a powerful jeremiad against modern consumerism.
  • In his speech, he delivered a jeremiad about the decline of traditional values.
  • Many political leaders use jeremiads to highlight social injustices.
  • The poem is a heartfelt jeremiad for the environment.
  • Her article was a stark jeremiad on the state of public education.

Translations

Translations of the word "jeremiad" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น jeremiada

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเฅ‡เคฐเคฎเฅ€เค†เคก

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Jere-Miade

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ jeremiad

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะถะตั€ะตะผั–ะฐะดะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ jeremiada

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ธใ‚งใƒฌใƒŸใ‚ขใƒผใƒ‰

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท jรฉrรฉmiade

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ jeremiada

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท jeremiad

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ œ๋ ˆ๋ฏธ์•„๋“œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌูŠุฑูŠู…ูŠุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jeremiรกda

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ jeremiรกda

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่€ถๅˆฉ็ฑณไบšๅพท

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ jeremiada

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ jeremiada

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะตั€ะตะผั–ะฐะดะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฏแƒ”แƒ แƒ”แƒ›แƒ˜แƒแƒ“

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jeremiada

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ jeremiada

Etymology

The term 'jeremiad' originates from the name of the biblical prophet Jeremiah, a figure known for his lamentations regarding the moral and spiritual decline of Israel. Jeremiah's writings in the Old Testament are filled with sorrowful reflections and warnings about impending doom due to the people's disobedience to God. The word made its way into English usage in the early 19th century, reflecting the growing use of biblical references in literary and rhetorical contexts. Jeremiads have become a literary trope in American literature, often employed by writers and activists to critique societal issues, invoke empathy, or call for action against perceived wrongs. The concept has evolved, adapting to various movements and discussions, making its presence felt in debates about ethics, politics, and culture.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,750, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.