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mourning

/ˈmɔrnɪŋ/
/ˈmɔnɪŋ/
IPA guide

Other forms: mournings; mourningly

Mourning is a time of sadness because of a loss. When you're in mourning after a loved one dies, it is good to lean on your friends who understand why you are so sad.

Mourning is an expression of grief or a time of grieving that follows a loved one's death or other serious loss. Depression, confusion, even losing interest in friends and social activities all can occur when someone is in mourning. An old-fashioned meaning of mourning is specifically the black clothing people traditionally wear following a death. Don't confuse mourning with morning, the early part of the day.

Definitions of mourning
  1. noun
    state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one
    synonyms: bereavement
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    type of:
    sadness, sorrow, sorrowfulness
    the state of being sad
  2. noun
    the passionate and demonstrative activity of expressing grief
    synonyms: lamentation
    see moresee less
    type of:
    activity
    any specific behavior
    expression, manifestation, reflection, reflexion
    expression without words
  3. adjective
    sorrowful through loss or deprivation
    sorrowful
    experiencing or marked by or expressing sorrow especially that associated with irreparable loss
Pronunciation
US
/ˈmɔrnɪŋ/
UK
/ˈmɔnɪŋ/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘mourning'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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