What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
keening
Example
The women were keening loudly as they mourned the loss of their loved one. [keening: verb]
Example
The keening at the funeral was so loud and heart-wrenching that it brought tears to everyone's eyes. [keening: noun]
lamentation
Example
The poet's lamentation for his lost love was so moving that it brought tears to the audience's eyes. [lamentation: noun]
Example
She wrote a beautiful lamentation for her grandfather, who had passed away recently. [lamentation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lamentation is more commonly used than keening in everyday language, especially in literary or artistic contexts. Keening is less common and may be unfamiliar to many English learners.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between keening and lamentation?
Lamentation is more formal and poetic than keening, which is often associated with traditional or cultural mourning practices. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation and tone of the speaker or writer.
