What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wailer
Example
The wailer's cries could be heard throughout the entire neighborhood. [wailer: noun]
Example
She wailed in agony when she heard the news of her father's passing. [wailed: past tense verb]
mourner
Example
The mourners gathered around the casket to say their final goodbyes. [mourners: plural noun]
Example
She was a devoted mourner, attending every funeral service for her friends and family. [mourner: singular noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mourner is a more common word than wailer and is used more frequently in everyday language. Mourner is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while wailer is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wailer and mourner?
Both wailer and mourner are typically associated with more formal or serious situations, such as funerals or memorials. However, wailer may have a more negative connotation and be seen as less appropriate in formal settings than mourner.
