Meaning & use

elegy

noun·Advanced

A poem or song that mournfully expresses sorrow, especially for someone who has died.

See it in a sentence

The poet wrote an elegy for her grandmother, recalling their quiet Sunday walks together.

The composer's elegy for the fallen soldiers was performed at the memorial service.

A note on using this word

An elegy is reflective and mournful in tone, unlike an ode, which typically celebrates or praises its subject.

Words with a similar meaning

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