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Woeful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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woeful

[ˈwəʊfʊl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or showing deep sorrow or distress

Having or showing a lot of sadness or suffering. Full of sorrow or distress. Expressing sorrow or misery. Miserable or very bad. Extremely sad or unhappy.

Synonyms

miserable, mournful, sorrowful, unhappy.

Examples of usage

  • He gave a woeful sigh as he looked at the destruction.
  • She had a woeful expression on her face.
  • The team's performance was woeful, resulting in a heavy defeat.
  • The news of the tragedy left everyone feeling woeful.
  • The woeful tale of the orphan touched everyone's hearts.
Context #2 | Adjective

very poor or bad; deplorable

Of very poor quality or condition. Extremely bad or unsatisfactory. Deserving pity or compassion. Deplorable or pitiable. Very inadequate or unsatisfactory.

Synonyms

bad, deplorable, pitiable, poor.

Examples of usage

  • The woeful state of the country's economy was evident to all.
  • They lived in a woeful little cottage on the edge of town.
  • The team's performance was woeful, with multiple errors and failures.
  • His attempt at singing was woeful, causing laughter among the audience.
  • The woeful conditions in the refugee camp were heartbreaking.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The word 'woeful' often appears in classic literature to convey deep sorrow, such as in Shakespeare's tragedies.
  • In literary contexts, it is used to describe characters experiencing profound adversity or loss.
  • Poets frequently use 'woeful' to evoke sympathy and communicate emotions of despair.

Pop Culture

  • The term has been used in songs and movies to express heartbreak, showcasing its emotional weight in modern narratives.
  • In popular media, characters often exclaim something is 'woeful' to emphasize their dissatisfaction or sadness in a humorous way.
  • The song 'Woeful Days' captures feelings of gloom and is relatable for many going through hard times.

Psychology

  • 'Woeful' is linked to feelings of grief and melancholy, showing how language can express emotional states.
  • Experiencing 'woeful' feelings can impact mental health, highlighting the importance of emotional expression.
  • People often use terms like 'woeful' to communicate complex feelings of loss or regret, facilitating social support.

Origin of 'woeful'

Main points about word origin

  • Originated from the Old English word 'woeful', which meant 'full of woe' or 'full of grief'.
  • The word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word '*wō' meaning 'sorrow' or 'grief'.
  • Related words include 'woe' and 'woefully', which share similar meanings about distress.

The word 'woeful' originated from the Old English 'woful', which meant full of woe or sorrow. It has been used in English literature for centuries to describe deep sorrow, distress, or deplorable conditions. The term has evolved to encompass both emotional and descriptive meanings, reflecting a sense of sadness, misery, or inadequacy. Over time, 'woeful' has become a versatile adjective to convey a range of negative emotions and conditions.

See also: woe.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,025, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.