alack

Alack, the knight's shield lies broken on the ground.

Definition

1. Interjection (archaic):
   • An exclamation expressing sorrow, regret, or lamentation; equivalent to "alas" or "woe."

Usage Examples

• (A cry of deep regret.)
• (A lament for loss or separation.)

Advanced Usage

• "alack and well-a-day": an intensified form, used in older English literature to express extreme sorrow or pity.
  • "Alack and well-a-day, the king has fallen in battle!" (A dramatic expression of grief.)

Variants and Related Words

• Alackaday (interjection): a variant of "alack," sometimes used for greater emphasis.
  • "Alackaday, the harvest is ruined by the storm!" (A more pronounced lament.)

Synonyms

• Alas: a direct synonym, also used to express sorrow or pity.
• Woe: an exclamation of grief or distress (often used in "woe is me").
• O dear: a modern expression of mild regret or concern.

Related Idioms

• Alack the day: an older phrase meaning "alas for that day" or "woe to that time."
  • "Alack the day I ever trusted him!" (Regret for a past action.)