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: present participle]
Example
The family is going through a period of grieving after the sudden death of their pet. [grieving: noun]
mourning
Example
The community came together to mourn the loss of a beloved member. [mourn: verb]
Example
The family observed a period of mourning after the death of their grandfather. [mourning: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grieving is more commonly used in everyday language than mourning, which is often associated with specific cultural or religious practices. Both words are important for understanding and coping with loss and change.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grieving and mourning?
Mourning is often associated with formal and structured customs and traditions, while grieving is a more personal and individual experience that can be expressed in various ways. Both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
