Doleful

Doleful describes a state of deep sorrow, grief, or melancholy. It suggests a heavy heart, a mournful disposition, and an outward expression of sadness, often conveyed through somber tones, a downcast expression, and a general aura of unhappiness. The word implies a sustained feeling of woe rather than a fleeting moment of sadness. It can relate to external events, internal emotional states, or even artistic expressions designed to evoke sorrow. The word often paints a picture of a person or thing weighed down by sorrow, exhibiting a visible sense of despair and misery, both affecting one's behavior and external appearance. The word is a powerful descriptor emphasizing prolonged sadness and a visible demonstration of grief or sorrow. The underlying emotion is significant in portraying a profound sense of loss, regret, or helplessness. It is a strong word, carrying more weight than simple sadness.

Doleful meaning with examples

• The doleful music played at the funeral service resonated with the attendees' shared grief, enveloping the church in a palpable atmosphere of mourning. The slow, somber chords seemed to echo the emptiness felt by those who had lost their loved ones, emphasizing the emotional impact of their absence and celebrating their life.
• After losing the championship game, the team’s locker room was filled with a doleful silence. Every player sat in heavy contemplation, with slumped shoulders and vacant eyes, the loss palpable and deep. They each knew the pain that could come with failure, and could only look at their failures as a whole.
• In the ancient painting, the woman's doleful expression conveyed a narrative of heartbreak and loss. Her downcast eyes and subtly downturned lips spoke volumes about the trials and tribulations that affected her existence. The artists skill was put to the test, as it successfully managed to elicit compassion from the viewer.
• Reading the tragic ending of the novel, the reader couldn't help but feel doleful, sympathizing with the characters' misfortunes. The story created an authentic, emotional connection with the characters, thus helping the reader relate to their plight as an authentic reaction to the plot’s events.
• The doleful ballad, sung with a trembling voice and melancholic melody, perfectly captured the heartache of unrequited love. The singer's performance emphasized the lyrics with a performance of sorrowful energy that gave a sense of empathy to the audience. The song allowed for the connection between the audience and the singer.