woe

UK: wəʊ | US: woʊ

Definition

  1. n. 1. Great sorrow or distress.

  2. n. 2. (archaic) Misfortune or trouble.

Structure
woe <sorrow>
Etymology

The word "woe" traces back to Old English wā, a cry of grief or lamentation, akin to Old High German wē and Old Norse vei. It reflects a primal expression of pain or distress, preserved almost unchanged in modern English. Unlike compound words, "woe" is a compact, emotive term with no separable morphemes, embodying its meaning holistically.

Examples

  1. The widow’s face was etched with woe.

  2. "Woe betide you!" he shouted in anger.

  3. The poem speaks of woe and redemption.

  4. Economic crises brought woe to many families.

  5. (Archaic) "Woe is me!" she cried dramatically.