What does 'mourning' mean?
Definition
Meaning: Mourning (noun) refers to the expression of deep sorrow for someone who has died. It can involve rituals, customs, or a period of grieving.
La signification: Mourning est un nom qui signifie "le deuil", c’est-à-dire l’expression de la tristesse après la perte d’un être cher.
Example: "She was in mourning for months after her husband's death."
Quote: "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." [George S. Patton]
N.B.: "Mourning" should not be confused with "morning" (the early part of the day). Though they sound similar, they differ in meaning and spelling. In French, mourning is commonly translated as "le deuil".
Word Analysis
Français»» Le deuil
»» La période de deuil
Ⓐ Elle porte encore le deuil de sa mère.
Ⓑ Le pays entier était en deuil après la tragédie.
English
»» Mourning
»» Grieving after a loss
Ⓐ He is still in mourning for his friend.
Ⓑ The nation declared a day of mourning.
Dialogue
Alex: "Why is she wearing all black?"Maya: "She's in mourning—her grandmother passed away last week."
Alex: "I had no idea. That must be so hard."
Maya: "Yes, she’s taking some time to grieve properly."
Poem Extract
Distant Rainfall, by
Robinson Jeffers
Like mourning women veiled to the feet
Tall slender rainstorms walk slowly against gray cloud along the far verge.
The ocean is green where the river empties,
Dull gray between the points of the headlands, purple where the women walk.
What do they want? Whom are they mourning?
What hero’s dust in the urn between the two hands hidden in the veil?
Titaness after Titaness proudly
Bearing her tender magnificent sorrow at her heart, the lost battle’s beauty.
The full poem
Etymology
Origin: Mourning comes from Old English "murnung," meaning grief or sorrow, especially for the dead. It stems from the verb "murnan" (to grieve), which is related to Proto-Germanic *murnōną and ultimately to Proto-Indo-European roots expressing sorrow.
Modern Usage: Today, "mourning" refers to the act or period of expressing sorrow after someone’s death. It can involve rituals, attire (like wearing black), and emotional expression. Example: "The family was in mourning for a year."
Grammar Note: Mourning is a noun. It can be used both countably and uncountably depending on the context. Example: "A national mourning was declared" (countable); "She was in deep mourning" (uncountable).
Audience
Mourning appears frequently in literature, news, religious or cultural discussions, and formal speech. It is suitable for intermediate to advanced learners due to its emotional and cultural nuance.
When to use: Use mourning to describe grief following a loss, often a death. It is appropriate in solemn or respectful contexts. Example: "The whole community was in mourning after the accident."
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and visual look at our word of the day, watch the following…Mourning Pope Francis
How to pronounce 'mourn'
WordReference
For more on our word of the day and its usage, visit WordReference for definitions, translations, and examples in context.
Here are some quick links for further exploration:
»
English⇄English – Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
»
English⇄French – Explore translations and linguistic nuances.
»
Synonyms⇄Antonyms – Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "awhile"
Stay awhile
Remain or linger for a short period of time.
Example: "Why don't you stay awhile and catch up with us?"
Rest awhile
Take a brief break or pause.
Example: "She decided to rest awhile before continuing the hike."
Wait awhile
Pause or delay for a short time.
Example: "He waited awhile before responding to the question."
Linger awhile
Stay or remain for a short duration, often with reluctance to leave.
Example: "They lingered awhile after the party ended."
Chat awhile
Engage in conversation for a short period.
Example: "We sat and chatted awhile over coffee."
Pause awhile
Stop briefly to reflect or take a moment.
Example: "She paused awhile to think about her next move."
Comments
Post a Comment