Definition

Full of sadness or grief; expressing sorrow.

Example

The mournful music made everyone feel emotional.

Conversation

Did you hear that mournful song playing at the coffee shop yesterday?

Yeah, it really set a sad mood for everyone there.

I think it was about lost love or something like that.

Exactly, it made me feel a bit mournful just listening to it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mournful → It is formed from "mourn" (from Old English *murnan*, meaning to grieve or lament) and "-ful" (meaning full of). The word "mournful" means full of grief or expressing sorrow.

Memory Tip

Think of feeling 'full of grief' when you mourn someone — that's what 'mournful' means.

Visually Confused Words