sorrowful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sorrowful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of deep sadness or regret. Example: "She had a sorrowful expression on her face as she recalled the memories of her lost loved ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He adopts a sorrowful air, as if pondering for the very first time man's capacity for grievance.Happily, Mr Salmond has a plan.

The Economist

The sorrowful satchel was the mascot of a citizens' rebellion against a proposed school restructuring in the city-state.

The Economist

A large Mexican altar holds the statue of a sorrowful Neapolitan Madonna.

The Economist

On April 29th, Wolfgang Clement, the country's economy and labour minister, cut his growth forecast for the year from 1.6% to just 1%, lamenting that the ECB's monetary policy failed to reflect the sorrowful condition of the euro zone's biggest member.If anything, the ECB has seemed keen not to cut rates but to follow the Fed up.

The Economist

In an elegant and sorrowful letter to Israel's ambassador in The Hague, Mr Zanoli explained that he could not in good conscience keep the Israeli medal.I understand that in your professional role, in which I am addressing you here, you may not be able to express understanding for my decision.

The Economist

What will happen to us?"In this section Spend some, then spend some more By the book Shifting the balance Unburied dead The winds of war One and only Reprints Related items In Russia's shadow: The Katyn deniersNov 2nd 2007 A Pole apartFeb 10th 2000Expert cinematography, compelling acting, and a story that leaves the viewer both sorrowful and angry, are a strong combination.

The Economist

There was much sorrowful talk about the trickiness of uprooting post-Communist cynicism and criminality, and how that could only be done by changing mindsets so that Bulgarians realised the importance of rules, and sticking to them.

The Economist

And Crédit Agricole, a French bank, sold its sorrowful Greek banking operations for €1 ($1.30).

The Economist

An empty treasury forced politicians to turn, in sorrowful confusion rather than ideological triumph, to the market.Politicians remain reluctant to reduce subsidies, relax rigid labour laws or reform the public sector.

The Economist

Yet the challenge presented by ISIS (which now wishes to be known as the State of the Islamic Caliphate) underlines the sorrowful condition into which Arab politics has sunk.Why is the Arab world a weary and wearying mess?

The Economist

For Romans, spectacular Holy Week ceremonies such as the sorrowful procession led by the pope on Good Friday and the pre-Easter vigil (pictured) are a familiar way-station in the city's life, just as every other Italian town has its own distinctive rituals at this season.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sorrowful", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It often implies a deep, reflective sadness rather than a fleeting emotion. Pair it with strong verbs to highlight the intensity of the sorrow.

Common error

Avoid using "sorrowful" in situations where the sadness is minor or fleeting. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for simpler words like "sad" or "unhappy" in less intense scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The word "sorrowful" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something filled with or expressing deep sadness. Ludwig AI confirms the word is correct and usable in written English. The examples show it describing expressions, events, and conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sorrowful" is a versatile adjective used to express deep sadness or regret. As Ludwig AI highlights, the word is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears frequently in news and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a broad applicability. While it’s a powerful word, it’s important to use it judiciously to avoid melodrama. Consider related phrases like "full of sorrow" or "deeply saddened" for alternative ways to express similar sentiments. Remember to use "sorrowful" when you aim to evoke a sense of profound, reflective sadness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

full of sorrow

Focuses on the internal state of being filled with sorrow, rather than exhibiting it.

deeply saddened

Emphasizes the intensity of the sadness experienced.

mournful

Highlights the expression of grief, often associated with loss.

grief-stricken

Indicates a state of being overwhelmed by grief.

heavy-hearted

Suggests a burden of sadness weighing on one's emotions.

woebegone

Implies a visible appearance of sadness and misery.

crestfallen

Describes a feeling of disappointment and sadness, often after a setback.

despondent

Indicates a state of low spirits and hopelessness.

melancholy

Suggests a contemplative and gentle sadness.

dolorous

Refers to a state of expressing great sorrow or pain.

FAQs

How is "sorrowful" typically used in a sentence?

The word "sorrowful" is an adjective used to describe a person, event, or situation filled with or causing sorrow. For example, "She wore a sorrowful expression" or "It was a sorrowful tale".

What words are similar in meaning to "sorrowful"?

Similar words include "sad", "mournful", "lamentable", "grievous", and "heavy-hearted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "sorrowful" to describe an object?

Yes, "sorrowful" can describe an object, but it implies that the object evokes feelings of sorrow. For instance, "a sorrowful melody" suggests that the music is sad or evokes sadness.

What is the difference between "sorrowful" and "sad"?

"Sad" is a more general term for unhappiness. "Sorrowful" implies a deeper, more reflective state of sadness, often associated with loss or regret. A "sad" moment might be fleeting, while a "sorrowful" experience carries more weight.