What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grieving
Example
She is still grieving the loss of her father. [grieving: verb]
Example
The family is going through a period of grieving after the sudden death of their son. [grieving: noun]
lamentation
Example
The sound of lamentation filled the air as the mourners wept for their lost loved ones. [lamentation: noun]
Example
She wrote a poem of lamentation to express her grief over the end of her relationship. [lamentation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grieving is a more common word than lamentation and is used in a wider range of contexts. Lamentation is a more formal and poetic term that is less commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grieving and lamentation?
Lamentation is a more formal and dramatic word that is often associated with religious or cultural contexts. Grieving is a more versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.