mourner
/'mɔ:nə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a person who is feeling grief (as grieving over someone who has died)