lamentation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lamentation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of expressing grief or sorrow. For example, "The widow's lamentation was heart-wrenching as she mourned the death of her beloved husband."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

English's Germanic cousins are more vivid: German calls it Karfreitag, from an old German root chara, meaning lamentation.

The Economist

Mr Scruton, a man prone to bouts of lamentation, has produced a delightfully short chronicle of the church's decline.

The Economist

He also expresses unabashed admiration for Ahmad Chalabi, the neo-cons' long-time favourite to lead the new Iraq, and bemoans his fall, without explaining why it happened.The dominant tone of Mr Ajami's treatise is one of lamentation.

The Economist

In other words, it is much better to have defiant, life-affirming laughter than tears and lamentation.

The Economist

It is also a lamentation for a modern Algeria gripped by pious fundamentalism.

The Economist

The guerrillas have repeatedly outwitted it in the past 12 months, and lamentation that it needs more men and more weapons cannot explain that away.

The Economist

Yet in its immediate aftermath, calamity more often inspires inarticulate lamentation even in a bestselling author with a distinctive voice and the best of intentions.

The Economist

A MOOD of sombre lamentation hung over the cloisters of Qom on May 4th.

The Economist

A period of lamentation begins, in which painters, collectors and dealers who have not scrambled aboard the latest installationist video or conceptual bandwagon all join.

The Economist

He offers mostly lamentation, indignation and nostalgia, and does little either to diagnose our culture's gradual denigration of labour, or to argue against it, beyond serving up quotations of questionable relevance from Abraham Lincoln and Karol Wojtyla, a second-rate Catholic philosopher from Poland who was also a popular pope.

The Economist

But the lamentation of vanity can be false modesty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lamentation" to add a formal and somber tone when describing expressions of grief or sorrow, particularly in literary or historical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "lamentation" in everyday conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or affected. Opt for simpler words like "grief" or "sorrow" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The word "lamentation" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act of expressing sorrow or grief. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English, often carrying a formal tone, as evidenced by the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

38%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lamentation" is a noun referring to the expression of sorrow or grief, often in a formal or literary context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its prevalence in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While "lamentation" is grammatically sound and widely understood, it's essential to consider the tone and context, reserving its use for situations where a somber and reflective expression is appropriate. Be aware of the potential for sounding overly dramatic in informal settings, as simpler words like "sorrow" or "grief" may be more suitable. Remember that "lamentation" expresses grief outwardly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sorrowful cry

Highlights the audible aspect of expressing grief, similar to a "lament".

anguished cry

Highlights the pain and distress associated with the expression of grief.

act of mourning

Replaces "lamentation" with a phrase emphasizing the process of grieving.

mournful wail

Emphasizes the sound and feeling of deep sorrow.

expression of sorrow

Replaces "lamentation" with a more descriptive phrase, focusing on the act of expressing sadness.

plaintive expression

Focuses on the sorrowful and mournful nature of the expression.

display of grief

Focuses on the outward manifestation of sorrow, instead of the internal feeling.

keen sorrow

Emphasizes the intensity of the sadness.

words of grief

Emphasizes the verbal expression of sadness and loss.

deep regret

Shifts the focus to a feeling of remorse and sadness over something that has happened.

FAQs

How can I use "lamentation" in a sentence?

"Lamentation" is typically used to describe an expression of sorrow or mourning. For example, "The poem was a "lamentation" for a lost love" or "The community's "lamentation" was palpable after the tragedy".

What are some synonyms for "lamentation"?

Alternatives to "lamentation" include "mourning", "grief", "sorrow", "wailing", and "plaint". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "lamentation" and "grief"?

"Grief" is a general term for sorrow, while "lamentation" specifically refers to an outward expression of that sorrow, often in the form of a song, poem, or cry. Thus, grief is the feeling, and lamentation is the expression of that feeling.

Is "lamentation" appropriate for modern writing?

Yes, "lamentation" remains appropriate, especially in formal or literary contexts. However, be mindful of your audience, as it can sound overly dramatic in casual settings. Using a synonym like "sorrow" or "mourning" might be more suitable for general use.