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.