Lament: meaning, definitions and examples

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lament

[ləˈmɛnt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

expression of sorrow

A lament is an expression of deep sorrow or grief, often in the form of a poem, song, or piece of music. It is a passionate expression of sadness or regret.

Synonyms

lamentation, mourning, wailing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lament	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.
mourning	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.
wailing	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.
lamentation	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.

Examples of usage

The sound of her lament echoed through the valley.
He composed a beautiful lament for the fallen soldiers.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

express sorrow or regret

To lament is to express sadness or regret, especially in a vocal or audible manner. It can also refer to expressing grief or mourning over a loss.

Synonyms

bewail, grieve, mourn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lament	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.
mourn	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.
grieve	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.
bewail	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.

Examples of usage

She lamented the loss of her beloved pet.
The villagers lamented the destruction caused by the storm.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'lament' comes from the Latin word 'lamentari,' which means 'to mourn.'
It has roots in the Proto-Indo-European word '*l(e)men,' meaning 'to cry out.'
The term has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to the act of mourning.

Literature

Lamenting is a common theme in poetry, often seen in works expressing grief or loss, such as John Milton's 'Lycidas.'
Shakespeare frequently used laments in his plays, notably in 'Hamlet,' where characters express sorrow over death and betrayal.
The form of a lament, known as a 'dirge,' is specifically designed for mourning and is often musical.

Psychology

Lamenting can be a part of the grieving process, helping individuals to cope with loss and express their emotions.
Research suggests that sharing laments within a supportive group can aid in emotional healing and provide comfort.
Expressing lament can also trigger a release of pent-up emotions, leading to improved mental health.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, mourning rituals often include lamentation, such as wailing or singing sad songs at funerals.
The Jewish tradition includes a practice called 'Kaddish,' a prayer that includes lamenting for loved ones who have passed away.
In ancient Greece, women known as 'professional mourners' were hired to publicly lament the dead, a practice which is still observed in some cultures today.

Music

Many musical genres include lament themes, often expressed through slow melodies or mournful lyrics.
The 'laments' in classical music, such as Mahler's 'Kindertotenlieder,' capture deep feelings of loss and sorrow.
Folkloric traditions often include songs of lament, allowing communities to express collective grief through shared music.

Translations

Translations of the word "lament" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lamento

🇮🇳 विलाप

🇩🇪 Klage

🇮🇩 ratapan

🇺🇦 жаль

плач
скорбота

🇵🇱 lament

🇯🇵 嘆き (なげき)

🇫🇷 lamentation

🇪🇸 lamento

🇹🇷 ağıt

🇰🇷 탄식

🇸🇦 رثاء

🇨🇿 nářek

🇸🇰 nárek

🇨🇳 哀叹 (āitàn)

🇸🇮 žalovanje

🇮🇸 harmljóð

🇰🇿 қайғы

🇬🇪 გლოვა

🇦🇿 ağı

🇲🇽 lamento

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,170, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
12167 resumption
12168 buff
12169 overload
12170 lament
12171 reparation
12172 genial
12173 outcrop
...