What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bereaved
Example
The bereaved family received condolences from friends and relatives. [bereaved: adjective]
Example
She is still in the process of grieving and is part of the bereaved. [bereaved: noun]
mourning
Example
The family wore black clothing as a sign of mourning. [mourning: noun]
Example
She is mourning the loss of her beloved pet. [mourning: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mourning is more commonly used than bereaved in everyday language. Mourning is a versatile word that can be used to describe the period of grief and the actions associated with it. On the other hand, bereaved is less common and is often used in more formal or official contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bereaved and mourning?
While bereaved is typically associated with a formal tone, mourning is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
