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jeremiad

noun

/ˌʤɛrəˈmaɪəd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of jeremiad

A long and mournful complaint, lamentation or a tale of woe.
"Her blog post was a jeremiad about the state of education in the country."

Detailed meaning of jeremiad

It typically describes a speech or a piece of writing that expresses a pessimistic outlook on the future and paints a bleak picture of the present. The term comes from the biblical prophet Jeremiah, who was known for his sorrowful and mournful lamentations about the plight of the Israelites. Jeremiads are often used to criticize social or political problems and can convey a sense of urgency or desperation. They can be delivered with a religious or moralistic tone, and they are often intended to inspire change or action. Overall, a jeremiad is a passionate and mournful expression of concern or criticism that highlights the negative aspects of a situation in order to provoke a response from the listener or reader.

Example sentences containing jeremiad

1. She delivered a passionate jeremiad, decrying the societal decay.
2. The author's latest book is a powerful jeremiad against political corruption.
3. His speech turned into a lengthy jeremiad about the state of education.
4. The journalist's article was a scathing jeremiad against corporate greed.
5. The professor's lecture took the form of a jeremiad, lamenting the erosion of cultural values.
6. The playwright's play was a poignant jeremiad, exploring themes of loss and despair.

History and etymology of jeremiad

The noun 'jeremiad' has its etymological origins in the name Jeremiah, a biblical figure known for his lamentations and prophecies of doom. Jeremiah was a major prophet in the Hebrew Bible, and his writings often conveyed messages of impending calamity and divine punishment. The term 'jeremiad' draws its inspiration from his style of lamentation and prophecy. Over time, 'jeremiad' evolved to describe any long and mournful complaint, lamentation, or a tale of woe, particularly one that expresses a sense of moral or societal decline. This term underscores its historical connection to Jeremiah's prophetic and lamenting tradition, emphasizing the mournful and often critical tone that characterizes such expressions.

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Further usage examples of jeremiad

1. The poet's verses captured the essence of a jeremiad, expressing the collective sorrow of a generation.
2. The activist delivered a rousing jeremiad, calling for justice and equality.
3. The sermon turned into a fervent jeremiad, warning of impending doom.
4. The politician's speech was filled with a jeremiad against societal apathy.
5. The writer penned a heartfelt jeremiad, reflecting on the human condition.
6. The filmmaker's documentary served as a jeremiad, shedding light on environmental destruction.
7. The blog post unleashed a passionate jeremiad, criticizing the failures of the healthcare system.
8. The musician's lyrics were a lyrical jeremiad, capturing the struggles of the marginalized.
9. The critic's review resembled a jeremiad, lamenting the decline of artistic integrity.
10. The artist's painting conveyed a jeremiad, depicting the harsh realities of war.
11. The letter to the editor became a fiery jeremiad, denouncing government incompetence.
12. The historian's book contained a chapter dedicated to the jeremiads of the past.
13. The poet's collection of poems evoked a sense of jeremiad, reflecting on societal injustice.
14. The essayist's work was a thought-provoking jeremiad, challenging the status quo.