Sorrow: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：deep sadness (sorrow)

sorrow 🔊

/ˈsɒr.əʊ/ (UK), /ˈsɑːr.oʊ/ (US)

a deep feeling of sadness, often caused by loss or a bad experience.

Sorrow illustrated by a person reflecting alone on a park bench, holding a photograph.

deep sadness 🔊

➕

/diːp ˈsædnəs/

An intense and profound feeling of distress or unhappiness, typically arising from loss, disappointment, or misfortune.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'sorg' (care, anxiety), related to German 'Sorge'.

💡 Mnemonic

Sorrow sounds like 'sorry, oh!' — a natural expression of deep regret and sadness.

📖 Example

The story she told was filled with sorrow, but also with hope for the future. 🔊 The narrative was imbued with profound sadness, yet it held a promise of better times ahead.

🔗 Collocations

deep sorrow – Intense and profound sadness.

sense of sorrow – A feeling or awareness of sadness.

filled with sorrow – Overwhelmed by feelings of grief and unhappiness.

🔄 Synonyms

grief (n.) – Intense sorrow, especially caused by someone's death.

anguish (n.) – Severe mental or physical pain or suffering.

heartache (n.) – Emotional anguish or distress, typically from bereavement or love.

🚫 Antonyms

joy (n.) – A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

elation (n.) – Great happiness and exhilaration.

🌱 Derivatives

sorrowful (adj.) – Feeling or showing sadness.

sorrowfully (adv.) – In a manner that expresses sadness.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'sorrow' originates from Old English 'sorg', which meant care, anxiety, or grief. It is a common Germanic word, related to Old High German 'sorga'. It is frequently used in English literature, poetry, and music to express profound emotional pain, often associated with mourning, loss, or regret.