Definition

1. Noun:
   • The passionate and demonstrative activity of expressing grief: The act of expressing deep sorrow, often through crying, wailing, or other outward demonstrations.
   • A cry of sorrow and grief: A specific vocal expression or utterance of mourning and sadness.

Usage

• Lamentation is a formal noun used to describe the act or sound of expressing profound grief, typically in response to loss, tragedy, or suffering. It often implies a public or communal expression of mourning.

Examples

• The sound of lamentation filled the village after the terrible news.
• The poem is a powerful lamentation for a lost age.
• Her quiet lamentation was more moving than any loud cry.

Advanced Usage

• "To make lamentation": To engage in the act of mourning or wailing.
  • The mourners gathered to make lamentation for the deceased king.

Variants and Related Words

• Lament (noun/verb): A song, poem, or expression of grief; to mourn deeply.
  • The poet wrote a lament for the fallen soldiers.
• Lamentable (adjective): Deplorably bad or unsatisfactory; regrettable.
  • The loss of the ancient manuscripts was a lamentable event.

Synonyms

• Mourning: The expression of deep sorrow for someone who has died.
• Wailing: A prolonged, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger.
• Keening: A wailing lament for the dead.

Antonyms

• Celebration: The action of marking one's pleasure at an important event or occasion.
• Rejoicing: Great joy; jubilation.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A voice of lamentation": A person or thing that consistently expresses grief or complaint.
  • In his later years, he became a voice of lamentation for the changes in society.

Noun

1. the passionate and demonstrative activity of expressing grief
2. a cry of sorrow and grief
   • their pitiful laments could be heard throughout the ward