Definition

1. Noun:
   • A state or quality of being sad, mournful, or sorrowful, especially due to grief or affliction: "Dolefulness" refers to a deep, often quiet sadness, typically caused by loss, suffering, or misfortune. It describes a profound feeling of sorrow.

Usage

• "Dolefulness" is an uncountable noun used to describe a general atmosphere or feeling of deep sadness.
• It is a formal and somewhat literary word, often used in written descriptions of mood, character, or setting.

Examples

• The dolefulness in her eyes was unmistakable after hearing the tragic news.
• A profound dolefulness settled over the village following the disaster.
• He spoke with a quiet dolefulness about the friends he had lost.

Advanced Usage

• "An air/a sense/a mood of dolefulness": A phrase used to describe a pervasive atmosphere of sadness.
  • An air of dolefulness hung in the room during the memorial service.
• "To be filled/imbued with dolefulness": To be deeply affected by sorrow.
  • The old letters were imbued with a sense of dolefulness and longing.

Variants and Related Words

• Doleful (adj): Expressing sorrow; mournful.
  • He gave a doleful sigh.
• Dolefully (adv): In a sorrowful manner.
  • She nodded dolefully.

Synonyms

• Sorrow: A feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune.
• Melancholy: A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.
• Woe: Great sorrow or distress.
• Despondency: A state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage.

Antonyms

• Cheerfulness: The quality or state of being noticeably happy and optimistic.
• Joyfulness: The state of being full of joy.
• Gaiety: The state or quality of being lighthearted or cheerful.

Noun

1. sadness caused by grief or affliction