bemoan
/bi'moun/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To express deep grief, regret, or sorrow over (something). It involves lamenting, mourning, or complaining about a situation, loss, or misfortune, often with a sense of strong disapproval or sadness.
Usage
- The verb bemoan is used to describe the act of vocalizing or expressing sorrow, disappointment, or criticism. It often implies a feeling that something is wrong or has been lost.
- It is typically followed by a direct object (what is being lamented).
- It carries a formal or literary tone.
Examples
- Verb:
- The editorial bemoaned the decline of civic engagement in modern society.
- She constantly bemoans her lack of free time.
- Historians bemoan the destruction of the ancient library.
Advanced Usage
- "to bemoan the fact that...": A common structure used to introduce the specific circumstance causing regret.
- Critics bemoan the fact that quality journalism is under threat.
Variants and Related Words
- Bemoaning (gerund/noun): The act of expressing grief or regret.
- His constant bemoaning of the situation became tiresome.
Synonyms
- Lament: To express passionate grief or regret.
- Deplore: To feel or express strong disapproval; to regret deeply.
- Bewail: To express great sorrow or disappointment over (archaic/literary).
- Rue: To bitterly regret (a loss or mistake).
Antonyms
- Applaud
- Celebrate
- Rejoice in
Related Phrases/Idioms
- To bemoan one's fate/lot: To complain sorrowfully about one's situation in life.
- Instead of trying to change things, he preferred to bemoan his fate.
Verb
- regret strongly
- I deplore this hostile action
- we lamented the loss of benefits