What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dolente
Example
The dolente melody of the violin brought tears to my eyes. [dolente: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a dolente voice, conveying her deep sadness. [dolente: adjective]
mournful
Example
The mournful expression on his face revealed the depth of his grief. [mournful: adjective]
Example
The mournful sound of the trumpet echoed through the empty streets. [mournful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mournful is more commonly used than dolente in everyday language. Mournful is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dolente is less common and is primarily used in musical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dolente and mournful?
While dolente is typically associated with a poetic or artistic tone, mournful can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.