Lament Meaning and Definition
Lament
Pronunciation
/ˈlɛmnənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A feeling or expression of deep regret, sorrow, or despair, often characterized by a sense of hopelessness or helplessness.
Examples
- The bereaved family couldn’t help but feel a deep lament for their lost loved one.
- The poet’s lament about war and its devastating effects resonated with the audience.
Synonyms
- Mourning
- Condolence
Antonyms
- Celebration
- Jubilation
Etymology
The word “lament” originates from the Latin word “lamentum,” meaning “a singing or mourning.”
Usage Notes
Lament can be used as a noun or a verb. It is often used to describe a deep sense of sorrow or regret, and can be used in a variety of contexts, including poetry, music, and everyday conversation.
Cultural References
Lament has been referenced in various forms of art and literature, including music (e.g. Chopin’s “Funeral March”), poetry (e.g. Keats’ “Ode on a Grecian Urn”), and film (e.g. the 1995 film “The Lament of the Earth”).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- A lamentable affair
- Lament the loss of
Related Words or Phrases
- Melancholy
- Sorrow
- Grief
Collocations
- A lament for the dead
- A lament for the lost
- A lament for the past
Frequency of Use
Lament is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is still used in various contexts to express deep sorrow or regret.
Common Misspellings
- Lamentative
- Lamentation
- Lamenting