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 for the deceased at the funeral. [keening: verb]
Example
The sound of the wind keening through the trees added to the eerie atmosphere. [keening: present participle]
wailing
Example
The child was wailing loudly after falling off the bike. [wailing: present participle]
Example
The mourners were wailing and crying during the funeral procession. [wailing: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wailing is more commonly used than keening in everyday language. Wailing is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while keening is less common and has a more specific cultural or traditional connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between keening and wailing?
Both keening and wailing are generally informal terms, but keening may be considered more formal due to its association with cultural or traditional practices.
