B2adjectiveformalemotionsarts
US/ˈmɔːrn.fəl/
UK/ˈmɔːn.fəl/
very sad, often in a way that makes you think of death or loss
In context
The dog gave a mournful howl when its owner drove away.
A mournful song played as the coffin was carried out of the hall.
She looked at me with mournful eyes and said nothing.
Words that go with mournful
adjective + noun
- mournful eyesThe puppy stared up at us with big, mournful eyes.
- mournful voice'We lost everything,' he said in a mournful voice.
- mournful soundThe ship's horn made a long, mournful sound in the fog.
- mournful toneThe letter was written in a mournful tone.
- mournful songAn old fisherman was singing a mournful song by the river.
- mournful cryWe heard the mournful cry of a bird somewhere in the forest.