Grief

Definition

Grief is the intense sorrow or emotional pain caused by the death of a loved one or by some form of loss or tragedy.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡrif/
• Respelling: GREEF (with "GREE" as in "green" and "F" as in "leaf")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɡriːf/
• Respelling: GREEF (with "GREE" as in "green" and "F" as in "leaf")

In both dialects, "grief" places the primary stress on the entire syllable. The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "GREEF."

Etymology

The word "grief" originates from the Middle English term "gref", which is from the Old French "grief", based on Latin "gravis" which means 'heavy' or 'grave'.

Derivatives

• Grieve (verb)
• Grieving (noun, adjective)
• Griever (noun)
• Grievous (adjective)
• Grievance (noun)

Synonyms

• Sorrow
• Heartache
• Desolation

Antonyms

• Joy
• Happiness
• Cheerfulness

Usage

The term "grief" is commonly used in psychological, medical, and everyday contexts to describe the emotional suffering experienced after a significant loss. It is an important concept in bereavement counseling and therapy.

Related Terms

• Mourning
• Bereavement
• Loss
• Heartbreak
• Despair

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Emotional Suffering Due to Loss: A profound feeling of sadness and distress, often following the death of a loved one or another significant loss.
  • Example: She experienced deep grief after the passing of her grandmother.

• Period of Mourning: The time during which a person experiences the emotional suffering associated with loss.
  • Example: The family is going through a period of grief.

• Trouble or Misfortune: In a broader sense, any trouble or suffering, though this use is less common in modern English.
  • Example: The decision brought a great deal of grief to the community.