Word

grief

noun C1

/ɡɹiːf/

Meanings

noun

deep sadness and emotional suffering after a major loss, especially the death of someone close

noun

trouble, annoyance, or problems that something causes

Definition

Grief is the deep sorrow people feel after a significant loss, especially when someone dies.

Grief is an intense feeling of sadness and emotional pain that often follows a major loss, such as the death of a loved one. It can affect thoughts, behavior, and daily routines, sometimes in waves rather than as a steady feeling. People experience grief in different ways and over different lengths of time, and it may include reactions like numbness, anger, or longing.

Examples

I still feel grief when I pass the park where we used to meet.
She spoke openly about her grief, but she also described how she learned to function again.
They carried their grief quietly, supporting each other through ordinary routines.
His grief surfaced unexpectedly during a work presentation, and he paused to regain his composure.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes use "griefs" for the general emotion, but "grief" is usually uncountable unless referring to specific troubles or causes of sorrow.