What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grief
Example
She was consumed by grief after her husband passed away. [grief: noun]
Example
He grieved for months after his dog died. [grieved: verb]
mourning
Example
The family went into mourning after their grandfather's passing. [mourning: noun]
Example
She mourned her friend's death by lighting a candle in her memory. [mourned: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grief is a more common word than mourning in everyday language, as it is a universal human experience. However, mourning is more commonly used in the context of funerals, obituaries, and other formal settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between grief and mourning?
Both grief and mourning can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but mourning is more commonly used in formal settings, such as obituaries, eulogies, and condolences.
