Definition

The quality or state of feeling or expressing deep sadness or sorrow.

Example

The mournfulness in her voice made everyone feel the weight of her loss.

Conversation

I was listening to that new song, and it has such a deep sense of mournfulness to it.

I know what you mean; it really captures that feeling perfectly.

Sometimes, I think music can express mournfulness better than words can.

Absolutely! It resonates with emotions we often can't put into words.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mournfulness → It is formed from "mourn" (from Old English "murnan", meaning to grieve or lament) and "-fulness" (meaning the state of being full of). The word "mournfulness" refers to the state of being full of grief or sorrow.

Memory Tip

Think of the act of grieving ('mourn') and how it creates a state of being filled with sadness ('-fulness'). This helps you remember that mournfulness is the feeling of being deeply sad.

Visually Confused Words