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Mourning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mourning

[ˈmɔːrnɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

The act of showing sorrow or grief for someone who has died; a period of time during which people remember and grieve for someone who has died.

Synonyms

grieving, lamentation, sorrow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mourning

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.
grieving

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.
sorrow

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.
lamentation

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.

Examples of usage

  • She wore black clothes as a sign of mourning for her late husband.
  • The whole town was in mourning after the tragic accident.
Context #2 | Noun

ceremony

A formal expression of sorrow, often in the form of a funeral or memorial service.

Synonyms

commemoration, memorial, remembrance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mourning

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.
commemoration

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.
memorial

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.
remembrance

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.

Examples of usage

  • The family organized a beautiful mourning ceremony to honor their loved one.
  • The country held a national day of mourning for the victims of the disaster.
Context #3 | Verb

feeling

To feel or express sorrow or grief for someone who has died.

Synonyms

grieve, lament, sorrow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mourning

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

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

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

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

Examples of usage

  • She is mourning the loss of her best friend.
  • He mourned his father's passing for years.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Practices

  • In many cultures, wearing black clothing is a traditional way to show mourning, especially during funerals.
  • Some societies observe a period of mourning that includes special rituals, like lighting candles or holding vigils, to honor the deceased.
  • In certain Eastern cultures, such as in China, mourning can involve specific practices like not cutting hair or wearing white outfits instead of black.

Psychology

  • Mourning is a natural process that can last for days to years, depending on the individual and their relationship with the person who passed away.
  • Psychologists note that expressing grief can aid in healing, often through talking, journaling, or memorializing the deceased.
  • There are five stages of grief often referenced: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, which help people navigate their emotions in mourning.

Historical Context

  • In Ancient Egypt, mourning rituals included elaborate funerals and burial practices to help guide the dead in the afterlife.
  • During the Victorian era in England, elaborate mourning attire and rituals reflected the societal importance placed on grieving publicly.
  • Historically, some Indigenous cultures would engage in communal mourning, showing support for each other through shared loss.

Literature

  • Mourning is a frequent theme in literature, symbolizing loss and the depth of human emotions, as seen in works like Shakespeare's 'Hamlet.'
  • Poems often explore the concept of mourning, with writers like Emily Dickinson reflecting on death, grief, and remembrance in their verses.
  • In many novels, the protagonist's journey through mourning can signify personal growth and transformation.

Social Aspects

  • Communities often come together to support those who are mourning by organizing meals, offering condolences, or participating in memorial services.
  • Social media has changed how people express mourning, allowing for public tributes and sharing memories instantly with a wider audience.
  • There are specific greeting phrases, such as 'I’m sorry for your loss,' which have been culturally adopted to provide comfort to those in mourning.

Origin of 'mourning'

The word 'mourning' originated from the Middle English word 'mornen', which means to grieve or lament. The concept of mourning has been present in human cultures throughout history, with various rituals and practices to honor the deceased and express grief. Different cultures have unique customs associated with mourning, such as wearing specific clothing or holding ceremonies to commemorate the departed. The act of mourning plays a significant role in the healing process after a loss, allowing individuals to acknowledge their emotions and find closure.

See also: mourn, mourner, mournful, mournfully.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,771 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.