Mourning Meaning and Definition
Mourning
Pronunciation
/ˈmʌrənɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A period of sorrow, grief, or lamentation, especially in response to a death or loss; a somber or mournful atmosphere.
Examples
- The family spent the day in mourning after the loss of their patriarch.
- The city wore a somber mood with flags at half-mast, mourning the fallen soldiers.
Synonyms
- Grief
- mourning
- bereavement
Antonyms
- Celebration
- Joy
- Rejoicing
Etymology
The word “mourning” comes from the Old English word “mōran”, meaning “to mourn” or “to mournful”, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*muraniz”, related to the Proto-Indo-European root “*mur-“, meaning “to fill with pain” or “to grieve”.
Usage Notes
Mourning is typically used to describe a period of intense sadness or grief, often in response to a significant loss. It is commonly used in funerals, memorial services, and other formal gatherings.
Cultural References
In popular culture, mourning is often depicted in films, literature, and art as a powerful and emotive response to loss. Examples include the novel “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith, the film “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, and the song “Mourning” by Taylor Swift.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “In mourning” – used to describe someone who is grieving or in a state of sadness
- “Mourning the loss” – used to describe someone who is sad or grieving over something or someone
Related Words or Phrases
- Lament
- Condolence
- Memorial
Collocations
- Mourning flowers
- Mourning clothes
- Mourning rituals
Frequency of Use
Mourning is a relatively common term in modern language, particularly in formal and cultural contexts. It is often used to describe a period of intense sadness or grief in response to a significant loss.
Common Misspellings
- Mourning – Mourning
- Murance – Mourning
- Murion – Mourning