Sorrow Meaning and Definition

Sorrow

Sorrow

Pronunciation

/ˈsɔroʊ/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A feeling of deep sadness or grief, often accompanied by a sense of loss or regret.

Examples

  • The news of her passing filled me with sorrow.
  • The family struggled to come to terms with their sorrow after the tragedy.

Synonyms

  • Grief
  • Mourning
  • Pain

Antonyms

  • Joy
  • Happiness
  • Delight

Additional Information

Sorrow is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can manifest in different ways, from intense grief to a dull ache. It can be triggered by various events, such as the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant life change. In many cultures, sorrow is viewed as a necessary step towards healing and moving forward.

Sorrow can be expressed through various forms of art, literature, and music, which can provide a cathartic outlet for those experiencing it. It can also bring people together, fostering empathy and understanding among those who have experienced similar emotions.

Etymology

The word “sorrow” has its roots in Old English “sorh,” meaning “pain” or “grief,” which is derived from the Proto-Germanic “suriz” and the Proto-Indo-European “wer-.”

Usage Notes

Sorrow is often used to describe a profound sense of sadness or regret, but it can also be used to express empathy or condolences towards someone who has experienced a loss.

Cultural References

Sorrow has been a central theme in various works of literature, such as Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and Dante’s “The Divine Comedy.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • Sorrowful heart
  • Burden of sorrow

Related Words or Phrases

  • Grief-stricken
  • Mournful
  • Sorrowful

Collocations

  • Sorrow fills my heart
  • Overcome with sorrow
  • Depth of sorrow

Frequency of Use

Sorrow is a relatively common word in modern language, used to express empathy or describe a deep sense of sadness.

Common Misspellings

  • Sorow
  • Soroi
  • Sorrou

Related Words