WordValeelegy
a poem of mourning for the dead
In more detail
1. (noun) a sad poem or song, usually written to express sorrow about someone's death
2. (noun) a musical composition that is sad and thoughtful in mood
Examples
- 1. The poet wrote an elegy for his late friend. 2. The composer's elegy for violin moved the audience to tears.
How to use elegy
An elegy is a formal, literary expression of mourning, typically more artistic and reflective than everyday grief. It often commemorates death but can also express sadness about loss more broadly. The term carries a classical or poetic tone and is less common in casual speech.
Common phrases
- write an elegy
- compose an elegy
- funeral elegy
- classical elegy
- literary elegy
Synonyms
dirge · lament · requiem · threnody · funeral song
Word family
elegiac (adjective) · elegist (noun) · elegize (verb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse elegy with eulogy (a speech praising someone, usually delivered at a funeral), though both may concern the deceased.
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