First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1lament
verb la·ment \lə-ˈment\
: to express sorrow, regret, or unhappiness about something
Full Definition of LAMENT
intransitive verb
: to mourn aloud : wail
transitive verb
1
: to express sorrow, mourning, or regret for often demonstratively : mourn
2
: to regret strongly
See lament defined for English-language learners
See lament defined for kids
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Origin of LAMENT
Middle English lementen, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French lamenter, from Latin lamentari, from lamentum, noun, lament
Related to LAMENT
- Synonyms
- bemoan, bewail, deplore, grieve (for), mourn, wail (for)
- Antonyms
- delight, exult (in), glory (in), joy, rejoice (in)
Synonym Discussion of LAMENT
deplore, lament, bewail, bemoan mean to express grief or sorrow for something. deplore implies regret for the loss or impairment of something of value <deplores the breakdown in family values>. lament implies a profound or demonstrative expression of sorrow <lamenting the loss of their only child>. bewail and bemoan imply sorrow, disappointment, or protest finding outlet in words or cries, bewail commonly suggesting loudness, and bemoan lugubriousness <fans bewailed the defeat> <purists bemoaning the corruption of the language>.
Rhymes with LAMENT
absent, accent, Advent, anent, ascent, assent, augment, besprent, cement, comment, consent, content, convent, descent, detent, dissent, docent, event, extent, ferment, foment, fragment, frequent, hell-bent, indent, intent, invent, loment, low-rent, mordent, outspent, percent, pigment, portent, present, prevent, pup tent, quitrent, rack-rent, relent, repent, resent, segment, Shymkent, Tashkent, torment, well-meant, wisent
2lament
noun
: an expression of sorrow; especially : a song or poem that expresses sorrow for someone who has died or something that is gone
Full Definition of LAMENT
1
: a crying out in grief : wailing
3
See lament defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LAMENT
1591
Related to LAMENT
- Antonyms
- exultation, rejoicing
LAMENT Defined for Kids
1lament
verb la·ment \lə-ˈment\
la·ment·edla·ment·ing
Definition of LAMENT for Kids
1
: to mourn aloud : wail
2
: to express great sorrow or regret for <He lamented the disappearance of his dog.>
2lament
noun
Definition of LAMENT for Kids
1
: a crying out in great sorrow
2
: a sad song or poem
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