Mournfully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mournfully

[ˈmɔːnfʊli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

feelings

In a manner expressing sorrow or grief.

Synonyms

grief-stricken, heartbroken, sorrowfully.

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Word Description / Examples
mournfully

Used in situations where someone is showing a deep sense of sadness, often associated with mourning or reflecting on a loss.

  • She looked mournfully at the old photograph, remembering better times.
  • He spoke mournfully about his late grandmother at the memorial service.
sorrowfully

Used to describe actions or words that demonstrate a sense of sorrow or regret. This term can be used for a wide range of sad situations, from minor disappointments to deeper grief.

  • She sighed sorrowfully after reading the bad news.
  • He shook his head sorrowfully, unable to hide his disappointment.
grief-stricken

Applied when someone is deeply affected by grief, especially right after experiencing a significant loss. This word emphasizes the intensity of the grief.

  • The community was grief-stricken after the tragic accident.
  • She was grief-stricken when she heard about the death of her close friend.
heartbroken

Often used to describe someone who is deeply saddened, typically due to a personal loss or severe disappointment. It is frequently used in the context of romantic relationships.

  • He was heartbroken after his longtime partner left him.
  • She felt heartbroken when she didn't get the scholarship she worked so hard for.

Examples of usage

  • She looked at him mournfully.
  • He sighed mournfully as he remembered the past.
  • The dog howled mournfully in the distance.

Translations

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Origin of 'mournfully'

The adverb 'mournfully' is derived from the adjective 'mournful', which has roots in the Middle English word 'murnen' meaning 'to mourn'. The suffix '-ful' is added to create the adverb form, indicating the manner in which something is done. The word has been used in English literature for centuries to convey the emotions of sorrow and grief in a poetic or expressive manner.


See also: mourn, mourner, mournful, mourning.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,711, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.