Mourning: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the state of deep sadness after someone has died. Often associated with rituals or formal expressions of grief.

• The family is in mourning after the loss of their grandmother.
• She wore black as a sign of mourning.

An emotional response to a loss, typically the death of a loved one. It can be a personal and internal experience, without formal rituals.

• He is grieving the sudden death of his friend.
• Grieving is a natural part of the healing process.

A feeling of deep sadness about something that is often broader than just mourning a person. It can also refer to disappointment or regret.

• She felt deep sorrow over the end of her marriage.
• His face was filled with sorrow after hearing the bad news.

Often involves expressing sorrow in a dramatic or vocal way, sometimes in a public setting. It can sound more literary or poetic.

• The lamentation of the villagers could be heard throughout the night.
• Her lamentation was loud and filled with heartbreak.

Used when expressing deep sorrow and grief for someone who has died. It often involves wearing black clothing and can include various rituals or ceremonies.

• The family is in mourning after the loss of their grandmother.
• She wore a black dress as a sign of mourning.

This is used for events and activities done to honor and remember a person or event from the past. It can be positive and solemn.

• The town held a commemoration for the soldiers who died in the war.
• They organized a commemoration event to mark the anniversary of his achievements.

A structure, event, or object created to remember and honor a person or event. It can be a physical monument or a ceremony.

• They built a memorial in the park to honor the victims of the disaster.
• The school held a memorial service for the beloved teacher.

Typically used for activities or ceremonies meant to honor and recall the memory of people or events, often used in the context of annual events.

• There was a moment of silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives.
• Every year, they gather for a remembrance ceremony.

Mourning is the expression of deep sadness and grief after someone dies. It often involves cultural or religious rituals and can last for a specific period of time.

• The family is in mourning after the loss of their loved one
• She is wearing black as a sign of mourning

Grieve is the emotional process of feeling deep sadness and sorrow after losing someone or something important. It focuses more on the emotional experience of loss.

• She needs time to grieve after the sudden death of her husband
• It's normal to grieve after a breakup

Sorrow is a deep feeling of sadness, often over a long period. It can be caused by various life events, not just death.

• She felt great sorrow after the end of her long-term relationship
• His face was filled with sorrow at the news of the accident

Lament involves expressing sorrow or regret, often loudly or publicly. It can be about someone's death or any tragic event, and might include a formal song or poem.

• They lamented the destruction caused by the earthquake
• He wrote a poem to lament the loss of ancient traditions