What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bewail
Example
She bewailed the death of her beloved pet. [bewail: verb]
Example
The mourners gathered to bewail the loss of their loved ones. [bewailing: gerund or present participle]
lament
Example
He lamented the end of his favorite TV show. [lament: verb]
Example
The haunting melody filled the room with lament. [lament: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lament is more commonly used than bewail in everyday language. Lament is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while bewail is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations or in literary works.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between bewail and lament?
While bewail is associated with a more emotional and informal tone, lament is considered more formal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in literature or artistic expressions.