What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bereavement
Example
She experienced deep bereavement after the sudden death of her husband. [bereavement: noun]
Example
The family went through a period of bereavement after the loss of their beloved pet. [bereavement: noun]
mourning
Example
She wore black clothes as a sign of mourning for her late grandmother. [mourning: noun]
Example
The community came together to offer their condolences and support during the mourning period. [mourning: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mourning is more commonly used than bereavement in everyday language, particularly in the context of death and funerals. Mourning is a term that people are more familiar with and often associate with specific rituals and customs.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bereavement and mourning?
Both bereavement and mourning can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, bereavement is generally considered more formal and is often used in professional or academic settings when discussing the psychological and emotional aspects of loss.
