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dolorous

adjective

/ˈdɒl(ə)rəs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of dolorous

Marked by grief, sorrow, or lamentation, often characterized by a profound and mournful sense of sadness or suffering.
"The mournful sound of the cello evoked a dolorous atmosphere."

Detailed meaning of dolorous

When a person or situation is described as dolorous, it implies an intense and poignant experience of pain or sorrow that goes beyond mere sadness. This term conveys a deep and heartfelt sense of mourning or lamentation and is often associated with expressions of profound grief. For example, a dolorous funeral procession may involve mourners openly weeping and expressing their sorrow, or a dolorous piece of music might evoke a strong emotional response related to suffering or loss. "Dolorous" emphasizes the idea of a sorrowful and mournful quality, often connected to expressions of profound grief and emotional depth.

Example sentences containing dolorous

1. Her dolorous expression revealed the depth of her heartache.
2. The dolorous melody echoed through the empty halls.
3. In the midst of the storm, his dolorous cries were heard.
4. The news of the tragedy left everyone in a dolorous state.
5. The dolorous poem moved the audience to tears.
6. His dolorous past haunted him, making it hard to smile.

History and etymology of dolorous

The adjective 'dolorous' has its etymological origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'dolorosus,' which is derived from 'dolor,' meaning 'pain' or 'grief.' In Latin, 'dolorosus' described something as marked by pain, grief, or sorrow. Over time, this term made its way into English as 'dolorous,' retaining its original sense of being marked by grief, sorrow, or lamentation. 'Dolorous' is often used to describe situations, events, or individuals who exhibit a profound and mournful sense of sadness or suffering. The etymology of 'dolorous' underscores its historical connection to the concept of pain and grief, emphasizing the deep and poignant nature of the sorrow or suffering it describes.

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Further usage examples of dolorous

1. The abandoned house had a dolorous atmosphere.
2. Their parting was a dolorous farewell filled with tears.
3. The sunset cast a dolorous glow over the desolate landscape.
4. She wore a dolorous expression at the funeral.
5. The old man's eyes held a dolorous wisdom.
6. The music's dolorous notes conveyed a sense of loss.
7. The movie's ending left me feeling dolorous and contemplative.
8. The soldier's letter home was filled with dolorous tales of war.
9. The dolorous news of the accident spread quickly.
10. The abandoned puppy had a dolorous look in its eyes.
11. The artist captured the dolorous beauty of the ruins.
12. Her dolorous voice sang a hauntingly beautiful song.
13. The cemetery had a dolorous tranquility.
14. The dolorous memoir recounted a lifetime of struggles.
15. The funeral procession was a dolorous sight as the community said goodbye.
16. The widow's dolorous expression revealed her deep sadness.
17. The soldier's dolorous memories of war still haunted him years later.
18. The poet's dolorous verse reflected their sorrow and pain.
19. The family's dolorous loss was felt by the entire community.
20. The news of the disaster caused a dolorous reaction among the citizens.
21. The patient's dolorous cries of pain could be heard down the hall.
22. The politician's dolorous speech acknowledged the country's challenges.
23. The artist's dolorous paintings explored themes of loss and grief.
24. The natural disaster left a dolorous aftermath of destruction and loss.
25. The dolorous tone of the music created a melancholic atmosphere.