Doleful

Adjective

Definition: Expressing sorrow; mournful.

Synonyms: Sad, Gloomy, Sorrowful, Melancholy

Antonyms: Joyful, Happy, Cheerful

Examples:
  • The doleful sound of the funeral dirge filled the air.
  • Her doleful expression revealed her inner sadness.
Mnemonics:
  • Imagine a sad dog (doleful) with droopy ears and eyes.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English 'dolfull', derived from Old English 'dolfol' meaning 'full of sorrow or lamentation'.

Historical Usage:

The word has been used since Middle English to describe a state of deep sadness or sorrow.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Doleful death"

Explanation:

Referring to a death that invokes intense grief or mourning.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'doleful' with 'doubtful'.

Explanation:

While the two words sound similar, 'doleful' refers to sorrow or sadness, whereas 'doubtful' means uncertain or skeptical.

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