Grief
/ɡriːf/
Meaning & Definition
noun
Deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone's death.
She felt a profound grief after the loss of her beloved grandmother.
A cause or reason for such sorrow.
His grief was compounded by the sudden nature of the tragedy.
A state of deep mental anguish or distress.
The grief he experienced after the breakup was overwhelming.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'grief' meaning 'heavy, serious, or grievous', derived from Latin 'gravis' meaning 'heavy'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
grief-stricken
Overcome with deep sorrow.
to grieve for
To feel sorrow for someone who has died.
grief counseling
Therapy aimed at helping people cope with loss.
Related Words
mourning
The act of expressing grief or sorrow.
lamentation
An expression of sorrow or grief.
bereavement
The state of having lost someone close.
Slang Meanings
Heavy feelings or overwhelming sadness.
He's been feeling a lot of grief since the breakup.
A situation causing emotional pain.
That exam was sheer grief; I barely studied.