What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dolefully
Example
She looked at him dolefully, tears welling up in her eyes. [dolefully: adverb]
Example
He spoke dolefully about his failed business venture. [dolefully: adverb]
mournfully
Example
The widow looked mournfully at the picture of her late husband. [mournfully: adverb]
Example
The church bells tolled mournfully as the funeral procession passed by. [mournfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mournfully is less common than dolefully in everyday language. Mournfully is typically used in more formal or serious contexts, while dolefully can be used in both formal and informal situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between dolefully and mournfully?
While both dolefully and mournfully can be used in formal contexts, mournfully is generally considered more formal due to its association with serious and somber events such as funerals or memorials.
