1
Core action
Express grief, sorrow, or regret about a loss, condition, or event.
Example
The poet laments the destruction of the old city.
lament
/ləˈment/ · luh-MENTverb
Express grief, sorrow, or regret about a loss, condition, or event.
Use lament to express this relationship precisely: express grief, sorrow, or regret about a loss, condition, or event.
What lament Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Researchers lamented the loss of the archive.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The essay laments change without denying its benefits.
Use lament Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The poet laments the destruction of the old city.
Researchers lamented the loss of the archive.
The essay laments change without denying its benefits.
Precision Matters
Lament overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
lament
vs.Means express grief, sorrow, or regret about a loss, condition, or event.
commend
Means praise or express approval of someone or something, especially for a worthy action or quality.
lament
vs.Means express grief, sorrow, or regret about a loss, condition, or event.
thrive
Means grow, develop, or succeed vigorously, especially under favourable conditions.
lament
vs.Means express grief, sorrow, or regret about a loss, condition, or event.
ebullient
Means overflowing with cheerful energy, enthusiasm, and excitement.
lament
vs.Means express grief, sorrow, or regret about a loss, condition, or event.
lugubrious
Means excessively mournful, gloomy, or sorrowful in appearance, sound, or manner.
Test lament in Context
The speaker expresses grief and sorrow over a loss.
1
In the elegy, the speaker appears to ___ the disappearance of a once-vibrant community.