What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lonesome
Example
I feel so lonesome without my family here. [lonesome: adjective]
Example
The old cabin in the woods looked lonesome and abandoned. [lonesome: adjective]
Example
She was lonesome for her hometown and the friends she left behind. [lonesome: adjective]
forlorn
Example
The forlorn look on his face broke my heart. [forlorn: adjective]
Example
The forlorn landscape was a reminder of the devastation caused by the storm. [forlorn: adjective]
Example
The puppy looked forlorn and lost on the side of the road. [forlorn: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lonesome is more commonly used in American English, while forlorn is more commonly used in British English. Both words are less common in everyday language and are more likely to be used in literature or poetry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lonesome and forlorn?
Both lonesome and forlorn are considered formal words and are not commonly used in informal settings. However, lonesome can have a slightly more casual tone than forlorn due to its association with American English and its slightly positive connotation.
