Sorrowful: meaning, definitions and examples

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

A general term for feeling unhappy or sorrowful, can be used in a variety of situations.

• She felt sad after hearing the bad news

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

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

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