Lament Definition & Meaning

lament
noun
  1. a cry of sorrow and grief; "their pitiful laments could be heard throughout the ward"
  2. a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
  3. a mournful poem; a lament for the dead
verb
  1. express grief verbally; "we lamented the death of the child"
  2. regret strongly; "I deplore this hostile action"; "we lamented the loss of benefits"

"Lament" in song lyrics

See how lament is used in real songs:

  • "And whom she finds forlorn she doth lament."
    William Shakespeare — The Rape of Lucrece
  • "adelaide's lament"
    AOL — AOL
  • "aesthetes lament"
    AOL — AOL

Usage tips for "lament"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "lament" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for lament to find words that pair well.

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