Lament
/ləˈmɛnt/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A passionate expression of grief or sorrow.
Her lament was heartfelt and moved everyone in the room.
A song or poem expressing sorrow; a mournful ballad.
The folk musicians sang a lament that resonated with the audience.
verb
To express sorrow, mourning, or regret for someone or something.
She lamented the loss of her childhood home.
To mourn for; to feel or express sorrow for.
He lamented the fact that he did not take that job offer.
To express feelings of grief or sorrow.
They lament the untimely death of their beloved pet.
Etymology
Middle English from Latin 'lamentari', from 'lamentum' meaning 'a wailing, a weeping'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
lament one's fate
To express sorrow about one's situation.
lament the loss
To mourn the absence of something that is no longer present.
Related Words
mourn
To feel or show deep sorrow or regret.
grieve
To feel intense sorrow, especially due to someone's death.
sorrow
A feeling of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment.
Slang Meanings
To complain or criticize, often in a humorous way.
Stop lamenting about your life; just get it together!
To express frustration dramatically.
He was lamenting his choices like a character in a tragic play.