Lament
Noun
Definition: A passionate expression of grief or sorrow.
Synonyms: Mourning, Wailing, Crying
Antonyms: Rejoicing, Celebration
- The woman's lament could be heard throughout the entire village.
- The funeral was filled with the sound of laments and tears.
- 'Lament' sounds like "laMENT", which emphasizes the sorrowful tone.
Verb
Definition: To express grief or sorrow about something.
Definition: To mourn or grieve over someone's death or loss.
Synonyms: Grieve, Mourn, Weep
Antonyms: Rejoice, Celebrate
- The poet lamented the loss of innocence in society.
- She closed her eyes and began to lament her broken dreams.
- Imagine someone writing a letter with tears and sorrow as they lament about their pain.
Etymology:
Lament derives from the Old French word "lamenter" and ultimately from the Latin "lamentari," meaning "to wail, to moan." It entered the English language in the 16th century during the Middle English period.
Historical Usage:Lament has been used throughout history in various cultural and literary contexts as a means of expressing grief and sorrow.
Related Idioms:
"Lamentations"
Explanation:Refers to the biblical book "Lamentations," which consists of five poetic songs expressing grief over the destruction of Jerusalem.
Misconceptions:
Using "lament" as a synonym for complain or whine.
Explanation:While similar in expressing dissatisfaction, "lament" is specifically associated with grief and sorrow, not general dissatisfaction.