What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deplore
Example
I deplore the violence that occurred during the protest. [deplore: verb]
Example
The company deplored the loss of their valued employee. [deplored: past tense]
Example
We deplore the lack of action taken to address climate change. [deplore: present tense]
mourn
Example
The family mourned the loss of their beloved pet. [mourn: past tense]
Example
She is still mourning the death of her father. [mourning: present participle]
Example
The nation mourned the tragic loss of their leader. [mourned: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mourn is more commonly used than deplore in everyday language. Mourn is a versatile word that can be used to describe a range of situations, while deplore is less common and is typically used in more formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deplore and mourn?
Deplore is more formal than mourn. It is often used in official statements or news reports to express disapproval or condemnation of something. Mourn, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts to express sadness or grief.