Definition

Noun: A person who is feeling or expressing grief, especially over someone who has died. A mourner is someone who attends a funeral or memorial service to show respect and sorrow for the deceased.

Usage

The word "mourner" specifically refers to a person participating in the rituals of grief, most commonly a funeral. It describes their role and emotional state during that time.

Examples

• The mourners gathered at the cemetery to say their final goodbyes.
• She was a principal mourner at her father's funeral.
• The chapel was filled with silent mourners.

Advanced Usage

• Professional mourner: In some cultures, a person hired to weep and lament at a funeral to increase the show of grief.
  • In ancient Rome, professional mourners were often employed for public funerals.

Variants and Related Words

• Mourn (verb): To feel or show deep sorrow or regret, especially for someone's death.
  • She continues to mourn the loss of her friend.
• Mournful (adjective): Feeling, expressing, or inducing sadness or grief.
  • The mournful sound of the cello filled the room.
• Mourning (noun): The period or act of expressing grief, often involving specific practices like wearing black.
  • The family is in mourning.

Synonyms

• Griever: A person who is grieving.
• Bereaved: (Often used collectively as 'the bereaved') Those who are saddened by the death of a loved one.
• Lamenter: A person who laments or expresses grief.

Antonyms

• Celebrant: A person who celebrates or participates in a joyful ceremony.
• Reveler: A person who is enjoying themselves in a lively and noisy way.

Related Phrases

• To be in mourning: To be observing the formal customs and period following a death.
  • The widow was in mourning for a year.
• Mourner's bench: (Historical/Religious) A bench at the front of some churches where those seeking salvation would sit.
  • In the revival meeting, several people went to the mourner's bench.

Noun

1. a person who is feeling grief (as grieving over someone who has died)