Definition

1. Verb:
   • To express deep sorrow or regret for; to lament or mourn for something: "bewail" means to cry over or express grief about a loss, misfortune, or situation, often with a sense of strong regret or complaint.

Usage

• The verb "bewail" is used to describe the act of expressing grief, sorrow, or regret, typically in a vocal or demonstrative manner. It often implies a prolonged or passionate expression of sadness.
• It is a transitive verb and is followed by a direct object (the thing that is lamented).

Examples

• Verb:
  • The villagers gathered to bewail the destruction caused by the storm.
  • She would often bewail her fate, feeling that life had been unfair to her.
  • Historians bewail the loss of ancient manuscripts in the library fire.

Advanced Usage

• "to bewail one's lot": to complain bitterly about one's situation or circumstances.
  • In the novel, the character constantly bewails his lot in life.
• The act of bewailing can sometimes carry a connotation of being excessive or self-pitying, depending on the context.

Variants and Related Words

• Bewailer (noun, rare): one who bewails.
• Bewailing (noun/gerund): the act of expressing deep sorrow.
  • Her constant bewailing of the past grew tiresome.

Synonyms

• Lament: to express sorrow, mourning, or regret for, often demonstratively.
• Deplore: to feel or express strong disapproval of; to regret deeply.
• Bemoan: to express discontent or sorrow over (something).
• Mourn: to feel or show sorrow or grief, especially for someone's death.

Antonyms

• Rejoice: to feel or show great joy or delight.
• Celebrate: to acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable activity.
• Applaud: to show approval or praise by clapping.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• While "bewail" itself is not commonly part of fixed idioms, it is used in formal or literary contexts to describe the act of lamentation. A related structure is "to bewail the fact that...".
  • He bewailed the fact that modern technology had eroded traditional skills.

Verb

1. regret strongly
   • I deplore this hostile action
   • we lamented the loss of benefits