Mourn: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in more formal or solemn situations, often in reference to the death of someone close. It implies a process or period of expressing grief.

• He will always mourn the loss of his best friend
• They gathered to mourn the passing of their beloved teacher

Appropriate for both formal and personal contexts, and it can be applied to various types of losses, not just the death of a person.

• He is still grieving the loss of his pet
• They grieve for those who lost their homes in the disaster

Often used in literary or poetic contexts to express sadness or regret, sometimes with a sense of longing or wistfulness.

• The old songs often lament the passage of time
• She lamented the end of their relationship in her diary

Used in a more dramatic or intense context, often indicating strong or loud expressions of grief and sorrow.

• She bewailed the terrible accident that took the lives of many
• They bewailed their misfortunes loudly

Refers specifically to the act of shedding tears due to strong emotions such as sadness, joy, or pain.

• She wept silently at the news of his demise
• He wept with joy when he saw his family again

Can be used both as a noun and a verb. It's often used to describe a deep, enduring sense of sadness over a significant loss or misfortune.

• Her sorrow was evident in her eyes
• They sorrowed over the tragedy that had struck their community

Used to express deep sorrow for someone who has died or for something that is lost.

• She mourned the loss of her beloved pet.
• The nation mourns its fallen soldiers.

Used to express sadness or disappointment over something that has happened or that one has done, usually with a personal implication.

• He regretted not spending more time with his family.
• She expressed regret for her harsh words during the argument.

Often used when expressing regret or dissatisfaction about a situation or state of affairs.

• He bemoaned the lack of progress in his career.
• Many people bemoan the high cost of living.

Used to express deep sadness over something, often in a more formal or emotional context. It can also refer to a song or poem expressing sorrow.

• She lamented the end of the golden era.
• The old man lamented the passing of simpler times.

Used to express strong disapproval or condemnation of something, often with moral or ethical implications.

• We deplore the violence that has taken place during the protests.
• The organization deplores any form of discrimination.

Typically used in a poetic or literary sense to express deep sorrow or grief. It can sound more dramatic.

• She bewailed her fate under the moon's pale light.
• The poets bewail the tragic losses of war.