What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mourned
Example
The family mourned the loss of their beloved grandfather. [mourned: past tense]
Example
She is still mourning the death of her husband. [mourning: present participle]
lament
Example
The community lamented the loss of their beloved teacher. [lamented: past tense]
Example
She wrote a beautiful lament for her deceased friend. [lament: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mourned is more commonly used than lament in everyday language, especially when referring to the process of grieving over a loss. However, lament is still a common word, particularly in literary or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mourned and lament?
Lament is often considered more formal or literary than mourned, which is more commonly used in everyday language. Therefore, lament may be more appropriate in formal writing or artistic contexts, while mourned is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
