What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grieve
Example
She grieved for weeks after her father's death. [grieved: past tense]
Example
The family is still grieving the loss of their home in the fire. [grieving: present participle]
mourn
Example
The community came together to mourn the loss of their beloved mayor. [mourn: verb]
Example
She wore black to mourn the passing of her grandmother. [mourn: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mourn is more commonly used than grieve in everyday language. Mourn is a more specific term that is often associated with cultural or religious practices, while grieve is a more general term that can encompass a range of emotional responses.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between grieve and mourn?
Both grieve and mourn can be used in formal and informal contexts, but mourn may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its association with cultural or religious practices.