Sorrowful: meaning, definitions and examples

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sorrowful

[ˈsɒrəʊfʊl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling or showing sadness

Feeling or showing deep distress, sadness, or regret. It is an emotion that is often associated with loss or disappointment.

Synonyms

grief-stricken, melancholic, mournful, sad.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sorrowful	Used to describe a deep sense of sadness often linked to a particular event or loss. She gave a sorrowful sigh as she looked at the old photographs
sad	A general term for feeling unhappy or sorrowful, can be used in a variety of situations. She felt sad after hearing the bad news
mournful	Describes a sorrowful feeling typically associated with mourning or lamenting a deep loss. The mournful tunes of the bagpipes filled the air during the memorial service
melancholic	Used to describe a more gentle, reflective sadness that lingers, often without a specific cause. He felt melancholic while sitting alone by the window, reminiscing about the past
grief-stricken	Describes someone who is overwhelmed by grief, often used in situations of extreme loss or tragedy. The grief-stricken mother could barely speak at the funeral

Examples of usage

She had a sorrowful expression on her face.
The news of his passing left everyone feeling sorrowful.
The poem was filled with sorrowful imagery.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'sorh,' meaning distress or grief.
Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European languages, where similar sounds indicate sadness or pain.
The transformation of the word over centuries reflects changing attitudes towards expressing emotions.

Literature

Many poems use sorrowful emotions to express deep feelings and connect with readers, such as in the works of Emily Dickinson.
Classic novels often have sorrowful characters to explore complex themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Shakespeare’s tragedies frequently highlight sorrowful experiences that lead to profound transformations.

Psychology

Feeling sorrowful is a natural part of the human experience, often triggered by loss or disappointment.
Research indicates that expressing sorrow can actually help individuals process their emotions and lead to healing.
Experiencing sorrow in safe environments can enhance empathy and understanding towards others' feelings of sadness.

Cultural Expressions

In many cultures, music is a tool to express sorrowful feelings, often found in blues or melancholy ballads.
Artistic representations of sorrowful scenes can evoke strong emotional responses, guiding viewers to reflect on their own feelings.
Films often portray sorrowful moments to build connections with characters, making audiences feel empathy and compassion.

Pop Culture

Sorrowful themes are prevalent in various genres, including gothic novels, melancholic pop songs, and somber films.
Famous songs like 'Tears in Heaven' capture sorrowful sentiments in memorable ways, resonating with listeners around the world.
Characters in popular media often experience sorrowful moments that are pivotal to their development and the story’s emotional depth.

Translations

Translations of the word "sorrowful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 triste

🇮🇳 दुखी

🇩🇪 traurig

🇮🇩 sedih

🇺🇦 сумний

🇵🇱 smutny

🇯🇵 悲しい (kanashii)

🇫🇷 triste

🇪🇸 triste

🇹🇷 üzgün

🇰🇷 슬픈 (seulpeun)

🇸🇦 حزين (ḥazīn)

🇨🇿 smutný

🇸🇰 smutný

🇨🇳 悲伤的 (bēishāng de)

🇸🇮 žalosten

🇮🇸 sorgmæddur

🇰🇿 қайғылы

🇬🇪 მოწყენილი (mots'q'enili)

🇦🇿 kədərli

🇲🇽 triste

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,816, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15813 reconstituted
15814 misconception
15815 blasts
15816 sorrowful
15817 pebble
15818 deported
15819 recount
...