VocabDictionary

elegy

/ˈɛl.ɪ.dʒi/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead.

Example Sentences:
  • Gray's 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' is one of the most famous poems in the English language.
  • She read a moving elegy at her grandfather's memorial service.
2.noun

A piece of music in a mournful, reflective style.

Example Sentences:
  • The orchestra played a haunting elegy in honor of the fallen soldiers.
  • The second movement of the symphony serves as a dark and tender elegy.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “elegy”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the late 16th century via French and Latin from the Greek 'elegos', meaning a song of lament or a mournful poem, traditionally written in elegiac couplets.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

An 'elegy' is a 'leg-y' song sung when someone has taken their last leg of life's journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About “elegy

1. What is the meaning of “elegy” in English?

In English, elegy (noun) is defined as: “A poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead.”.

2. How do you use “elegy” in a sentence?

Gray's 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' is one of the most famous poems in the English language.

3. What are English synonyms of “elegy”?

Common synonyms include:lament,dirge,threnody,requiem

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “elegy”?

Derived from the late 16th century via French and Latin from the Greek 'elegos', meaning a song of lament or a mournful poem, traditionally written in elegiac couplets.