threnody
/ˈθrɛn.ə.di/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A sad song, poem, or speech for someone who has died. It is often formal or literary.
- The poet wrote a threnody for his mother.
- The ceremony ended with a threnody.
- Her threnody moved everyone in the room.
Adinary Nuance
A threnody is more formal and literary than a simple lament or elegy. Use it for a serious, mournful work, often in writing or ceremony. It sounds stronger and less everyday than words like mourning song or tribute.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Khúc ai điếu
- Spanish
- Lamento
- Chinese
- 挽歌
- Japanese
- 挽歌
- Korean
- 애가
Etymology
From Greek thrēnōidia, from thrēnos meaning “lament” and ōidē meaning “song.” It entered English in the 16th century.
Common phrases
a threnody forcompose a threnodya solemn threnody
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is threnody a common everyday word?
- No. It is uncommon and mostly used in literary or formal writing.
- What is the difference between threnody and elegy?
- Both can be sad works for the dead. Threnody feels more mournful and formal.
- Can I use threnody in business English?
- Usually no. It sounds literary, not business-like.
- Is threnody a song or a poem?
- It can be either. It means a mournful piece of music, poetry, or speech.