Lamenting: meaning, definitions and examples

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lamenting

[ləˈmɛntɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

expressing sorrow or regret

Lamenting is the act of expressing deep sorrow or regret, often through vocal sounds or words. It is a heartfelt expression of grief or sadness over a loss or unfortunate event. People may lament the passing of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a missed opportunity. Lamenting can be a cathartic process, allowing individuals to release pent-up emotions and find solace in their sorrow.

Synonyms

bemoan, bewail, grieve, mourn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lamenting	Expressing deep sorrow or regret, often in a more formal or literary context. She spent the night lamenting the loss of her old friend The poet was lamenting the passing of an era
mourn	Showing deep sorrow or sadness, traditionally used in the context of death or loss, often with associated rituals or formal expressions of sorrow. They mourned the passing of the great leader She is in mourning for her late husband
grieve	Feeling deep sorrow or sadness, often used in the context of losing someone or something very important or loved. She is still grieving the death of her father He grieved over the loss of his job for weeks
bewail	Expressing emotional sorrow or regret, often in an exaggerated or dramatic manner. The villagers bewailed the destruction caused by the storm She bewailed her fate in a theatrical manner
bemoan	Expressing deep sorrow or discontent, often in a complaining manner. He bemoaned the state of the education system They bemoaned their bad luck throughout the journey

Examples of usage

She was lamenting the loss of her beloved pet.
The mourners gathered around the grave, lamenting the passing of a dear friend.
After the breakup, he spent days lamenting what could have been.
The community came together, lamenting the tragedy that had befallen them.
The haunting melody echoed through the halls, lamenting the fallen warriors.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'lamentari', meaning 'to wail or mourn'.
In Middle English, it was used to describe expressions of grief or sorrow, often related to death.
The transition from Latin to English preserved its emotional weight, linking it to deep feelings of loss.

Literature

Lamenting is a common theme in poetry, expressing sorrow and reflection on loss, as seen in works from Shakespeare to modern writers.
The famous 'Lament for a Son' by Nicholas Wolterstorff reflects the deep sorrow of losing a child in a heartfelt, relatable manner.
Many epic tales, like Homer's 'The Iliad', include tragic lamentations of heroes reflecting on their lost companions.

Psychology

Lamenting can be a healthy part of the grieving process, allowing individuals to express their feelings openly.
Research shows that sharing your lamentations within supportive communities can foster healing and resilience.
People who engage in lamenting often find it can help them process grief more effectively, leading to emotional recovery.

Culture

Many cultures have traditional practices of lamenting, such as dirges or funeral songs, to honor the deceased.
In Middle Eastern cultures, communal lamenting during mourning ceremonies strengthens social bonds and shared grief.
Films often depict characters lamenting to convey the depths of their sorrow, making it a powerful narrative tool.

Music

Lamentations have inspired numerous musical compositions, particularly in genres like blues and classical.
The 'Lamentations of Jeremiah', a biblical text, has been set to music by renowned composers, conveying deep emotional depth.
In folk music, lamenting often appears as storytelling, where singers express sorrow through lyrics that touch listeners' hearts.

Translations

Translations of the word "lamenting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lamentando

🇮🇳 शोकाकुल

🇩🇪 klagend

🇮🇩 meratap

🇺🇦 голосіння

🇵🇱 lamentowanie

🇯🇵 嘆く (なげく)

🇫🇷 lamentation

🇪🇸 lamentando

🇹🇷 ağlamak

🇰🇷 한탄하다 (hantanhada)

🇸🇦 رثاء (rithā')

🇨🇿 nářek

🇸🇰 nariekanie

🇨🇳 哀叹 (āitàn)

🇸🇮 žalovanje

🇮🇸 harma

🇰🇿 қайғыру

🇬🇪 გლოვა (glova)

🇦🇿 yas tutmaq

🇲🇽 lamentando

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,168, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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20165 enormity
20166 hoarding
20167 nationalized
20168 lamenting
20169 thrashing
20170 aerated
20171 topmost
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