Woe: meaning, definitions and examples

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woe

 

[ wəʊ ]

Context #1

feeling of deep distress or sorrow

Woe is a deep feeling of distress or sorrow, often caused by a tragic event or a great loss. It is a state of intense sadness and grief that can be overwhelming. Woe can be experienced on a personal level, such as the loss of a loved one, or on a larger scale, such as a natural disaster affecting a community.

Synonyms

grief, misery, sorrow

Examples of usage

  • The woe of losing a family member is indescribable.
  • The woe caused by the earthquake left the whole town in mourning.
  • It was a woe-filled day as the news of the tragedy spread.
Context #2

expressing sorrow or distress

Woe can also be used as an interjection to express sorrow or distress. It is often used in literature or poetry to convey a sense of lamentation or mourning.

Synonyms

alas, oh no, woeful

Examples of usage

  • Woe to the fallen warriors!
  • Woe is me, for I am undone!

Translations

Translations of the word "woe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aflição

🇮🇳 विपत्ति

🇩🇪 Leid

🇮🇩 kesedihan

🇺🇦 горе

🇵🇱 nieszczęście

🇯🇵 悲哀 (hiai)

🇫🇷 malheur

🇪🇸 aflicción

🇹🇷 keder

🇰🇷 비애 (bi-ae)

🇸🇦 حزن

🇨🇿 zármutek

🇸🇰 žiaľ

🇨🇳 悲哀 (bēi'āi)

🇸🇮 žalost

🇮🇸 harmur

🇰🇿 қайғы

🇬🇪 მწუხარება

🇦🇿 qəm

🇲🇽 aflicción

Word origin

The word 'woe' has roots in Old English and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'waiwo'. It has been used in English literature for centuries to convey deep sorrow and distress. The concept of woe has been explored in various works of art, poetry, and music, reflecting the universal experience of grief and sadness.

See also: woeful.