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 is still grieving the loss of his best friend. [grieving: verb]
sorrow
Example
I felt a deep sense of sorrow when I heard the news. [sorrow: noun]
Example
She sorrowfully watched as her dreams slipped away. [sorrowfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sorrow is more commonly used than grief in everyday language. Sorrow is a versatile word that can be used to describe a range of emotions, while grief is more specific and often reserved for significant losses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grief and sorrow?
Both grief and sorrow can be used in formal and informal contexts, but grief may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its association with mourning and rituals.
