Mourned - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

loss, grief

To mourn is to feel or show deep sorrow or regret for someone or something that has been lost, usually in the context of death. This feeling can include a range of emotions, from sadness to anger. Mourning often involves rituals or expressions of grief.

Synonyms

bereave, grieve, lament, sorrow.

Examples of usage

She mourned the death of her beloved pet.
They gathered to mourn the passing of their friend.
He still mourns the loss of his childhood home.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, mourning rituals include wearing specific clothing, such as black in Western societies, to signify grief.
Traditional mourning periods vary by culture, with some requiring days or even years of showing respect for the deceased.

Psychology

Mourning is a natural part of the human experience and helps individuals process their grief and find closure.
There are different stages of grief, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, which many people experience when mourning.

Literature

In literature, mourning is often a theme explored in poetry, reflecting on love and loss, such as in works by poets like John Keats.
Shakespeare's plays frequently depict mourning as characters deal with death, revealing different ways people cope with loss.

Pop Culture

Films often feature characters mourning the loss of loved ones, driving the emotional narratives, as seen in movies like 'The Fault in Our Stars'.
Music is another medium expressing mourning, with countless songs lamenting lost relationships or loved ones, such as Eric Clapton’s 'Tears in Heaven'.

Origin of 'mourned'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'mournian', meaning 'to feel or express grief'.
Related words in other languages, like 'mourir' in French, also reflect the concept of death and loss.

The word 'mourn' comes from the Old English 'murnan' which means 'to grieve' or 'to mourn'. Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic '*murnōną', which is also connected to similar words in other Germanic languages, indicating a longstanding association with expressions of sorrow and grief. The term has evolved over centuries, maintaining its focus on the emotional response to loss, particularly in the context of death. Over time, the concept of mourning has expanded to encompass not just death, but also loss in various forms, including relationships, opportunities, and even changes in life circumstances, reflecting the human experience of grief in a broader cultural context.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,790, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17787 siren
17788 postpartum
17789 absenteeism
17790 mourned
17791 obituary
17792 olden
17793 rehabilitated
...

Mourned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations