Sorrow: meaning, definitions and examples

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sorrow

[ˈsɒrəʊ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune

Sorrow is a deep feeling of sadness or grief, often caused by a significant loss or disappointment. It is a profound emotional state that can be overwhelming and difficult to cope with. Sorrow may manifest in tears, melancholy, or a sense of emptiness. It is a universal human experience that can affect people in different ways.

Synonyms

despair, grief, heartache, sadness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sorrow	Sorrow is a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune. It is often used in formal contexts and can relate to both long-term and short-term sadness. She felt deep sorrow after the passing of her beloved pet The community was overwhelmed with sorrow after the tragic event
sadness	Sadness is a state of sorrow or unhappiness. It is a more general term that can describe a range of emotions from mild to severe. She felt a wave of sadness wash over her when she read the news His eyes were filled with sadness after the long day
grief	Grief is intense sorrow, especially caused by someone's death. It is a deep emotional reaction to loss and is often experienced over a long period. After his passing, she was consumed by grief The grief she felt after losing her friend seemed unbearable
heartache	Heartache refers to emotional anguish or distress, typically resulting from love problems. It is less formal and often used to describe personal relational issues. He felt heartache when she broke up with him The heartache of their separation was hard to bear
despair	Despair is the complete loss or absence of hope. It is often used in situations where someone feels completely helpless or in extreme difficulty. In his moments of despair, he couldn’t see a way out of his situation She cried out in despair when she realized she had lost everything

Examples of usage

I couldn't help but feel overwhelming sorrow at the news of her passing.
The sorrow in his eyes was evident as he spoke about his recent breakup.
She was consumed by sorrow after the loss of her beloved pet.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

feel or display deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune

To sorrow is to experience or show deep distress or sadness, typically in response to a loss, disappointment, or unfortunate event. It involves feeling intense emotions of grief and sorrow. People may sorrow privately or express their sorrow openly through tears or mourning. Sorrowing is a natural response to painful experiences in life.

Synonyms

grieve, lament, mourn, weep.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sorrow	Describes a feeling of deep distress or sadness, typically caused by loss or disappointment. It is often used to convey a general sense of sadness. She felt deep sorrow after hearing the news He tried to hide his sorrow, but it was clear in his eyes
grieve	Describes the process or act of feeling and expressing deep sadness or pain, usually due to the loss of someone or something significant. Often used in a more formal or psychological context. People need time to grieve after losing a loved one She is still grieving over the death of her pet
mourn	Refers to the act of showing sorrow or grief, often in a ritualistic or formal way. Commonly used when talking about the loss of someone through death. The family gathered to mourn their grandmother's passing Nations continue to mourn the loss of lives in the disaster
lament	Expresses a strong, often vocal, expression of grief, sorrow, or regret. It can also imply a sense of public mourning or formal complaint about something. The villagers lament the loss of their ancestral land He lamented that he didn't take the job opportunity earlier
weep	Describes the act of shedding tears, often quietly, due to sadness, grief, or intense emotion. It is a more personal and immediate expression of sorrow. She wept silently in her room He began to weep when he read the letter

Examples of usage

She sorrowed over the death of her best friend for months.
He sorrowed deeply when he realized he had missed his chance for reconciliation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English term 'sarig,' which meant 'sore' or 'grieved.'
It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word *sargaz, which indicated emotional pain or distress.
The evolution of the word reflects a longstanding recognition of sadness in language.

Literature

Many famous stories explore themes of sorrow, highlighting the complexity of human emotions, like Shakespeare's tragedies.
The ancient Greeks believed that literature, particularly tragedies, could evoke catharsis by confronting sorrow.
Poets often use sorrow as a central theme to express loss, love, and the human condition, such as in the works of John Keats.

Psychology

Sorrow can manifest physically, leading to symptoms like fatigue and changes in appetite.
In psychological studies, individuals often process sorrow through stages, similar to grief, including denial, anger, and acceptance.
Understanding sorrow is crucial for emotional intelligence and helps in building resilience to cope with life's challenges.

Art

Sorrow is frequently depicted in art, with works such as Edvard Munch's 'The Scream,' showcasing deep emotional pain.
Many musicians incorporate themes of sorrow into their songs, making it relatable and therapeutic for listeners.
Visual artists like Pablo Picasso explored the Blue Period, where his works expressed profound sorrow and melancholy.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have unique ways of expressing sorrow, such as traditional mourning rituals that help communities cope.
In some cultures, music and dance are used to process sorrow, allowing individuals to express their grief creatively.
The symbolism associated with mourning can vary greatly, from colors like black and white to specific flowers or rituals.

Translations

Translations of the word "sorrow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tristeza

🇮🇳 दुःख

🇩🇪 Trauer

🇮🇩 kesedihan

🇺🇦 смуток

печаль
журба

🇵🇱 smutek

🇯🇵 悲しみ (kanashimi)

🇫🇷 tristesse

🇪🇸 tristeza

🇹🇷 keder

🇰🇷 슬픔 (seulpeum)

🇸🇦 حزن (huzn)

🇨🇿 smutek

🇸🇰 smútok

🇨🇳 悲伤 (bēishāng)

🇸🇮 žalost

🇮🇸 sorg

🇰🇿 қасірет

🇬🇪 მწუხარება (mts'ukharba)

🇦🇿 kədər

🇲🇽 tristeza

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,056 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5053 oak
5054 biggest
5055 remedies
5056 sorrow
5057 juvenile
5058 contracting
5059 quarterly
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