Lament: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when expressing grief or sorrow, often in a poetic or formal manner. It can be used both as a verb and a noun.

• She lamented the loss of her childhood home.
• His lament was heard throughout the village.

Commonly used to describe the period or expression of grief after someone has died. Often used in relation to cultural or traditional practices.

• The family is in mourning after the tragic accident.
• She wore black during the mourning period.

Use when describing loud and prolonged cries of grief or sorrow. Has a more intense and emotional connotation, often indicating extreme despair.

• The wailing of the bereaved mother could be heard from afar.
• The sound of wailing filled the night air.

Suitable in formal or literary contexts where deep expression of grief and sorrow is being communicated.

• The poet's lamentation for the fallen soldiers was heartfelt.
• His lamentation filled the silent room.

Expressing deep sorrow, often in a formal or poetic way. It's used when someone wants to publicly show their sadness about something significant.

• He lamented the loss of his childhood friend in a heartfelt speech.
• The poet's verses lament the passing of an era.

Expressing sorrow for someone who has died, typically involving rituals or ceremonies. It can also refer to feeling sorrow for any significant loss.

• They gathered to mourn the deceased at the funeral.
• The whole community mourned the loss of the local school.

Feeling deep and often prolonged sorrow, especially after the death of a loved one. This term is used to describe the personal and internal process of dealing with loss.

• After her father's passing, she needed time to grieve.
• He is still grieving his mother's death.

Feeling deep regret or sorrow, often with a sense of guilt or self-pity. It has a slightly old-fashioned or formal tone.

• She bewailed her careless mistake that cost the team their victory.
• The villagers bewailed the destruction of their ancient temple.