Sorrowfulness: meaning, definitions and examples

This word describes a state of deep sadness and heartache, often used in a formal or literary context.

• The sorrowfulness in her eyes was evident after the loss of her father.
• He wrote a poem that captured the sorrowfulness of his lonely evenings.

Sadness is a general term for the feeling of unhappiness or sorrow and can be used in a variety of situations, typically not as intense as grief.

• Her sadness was apparent after she failed the exam.
• He tried to hide his sadness but couldn't stop the tears.

Grief is intense sadness, usually due to the death of a loved one or a significant loss, and it’s often emotional and profound.

• She couldn't speak through her grief after the funeral.
• His grief was overwhelming when he heard the news.

Melancholy refers to a deep, pensive, and sometimes romantic sadness. It often conveys a more reflective or nostalgic tone.

• There was a sense of melancholy in the old photographs.
• He felt a wave of melancholy when he thought about his childhood home.

This term is suitable for expressing a deep sense of sadness or grief that is more general and can apply to various situations, including personal loss, disappointment, or empathy for others' suffering.

• Her eyes showed deep sorrowfulness after hearing the tragic news.
• There was an air of sorrowfulness in the room after the announcement.

Mourning refers specifically to the period or act of grieving for someone who has died. It usually involves rituals and customs that vary across cultures.

• The family is in mourning after the loss of their beloved grandmother.
• Many wore black as a sign of mourning during the funeral.

Lamentation is typically used in contexts where people are openly expressing their grief through words, cries, or actions. It often implies a strong, demonstrative display of sorrow.

• The village was filled with the sound of lamentation after the disaster.
• Her lamentation over the loss of her father was heart-wrenching.

Weeping describes the act of shedding tears, often accompanied by sobs, due to sadness, pain, or distress. It's a more physical expression of sorrow.

• She couldn't stop weeping when she heard the sad news.
• The child's weeping echoed in the silent room.