grief

UK: ɡriːf | US: ɡriːf

Definition

  1. n. intense sorrow, especially caused by someone's death

  2. n. (archaic) trouble or annoyance

Structure
grieve <to mourn>
Etymology

The word "grief" stems from Old French grever (to burden, harm), which evolved into Middle English grief (sorrow). The -f ending likely reflects a nominalization of the verb grieve, solidifying the concept of a state of suffering. The root traces back to Latin gravis (heavy, severe), metaphorically linking emotional weight to physical burden.

Examples

  1. She felt overwhelming grief after her father's passing.

  2. The community shared in the family's grief.

  3. (Archaic) "This petty grief is but a trifle," he muttered.

  4. Time eased the sharp edges of her grief.

  5. His face was etched with silent grief.