threnody
Say it: THREN-uh-dee /ˈθrɛnədi/ · noun
What “threnody” means
A song, poem or speech expressing grief.
More precisely: A song, poem or speech of mourning.
Example: “The album closes with a threnody for the singer's late father.”
When to use it
For a work of mourning, especially a sorrowful song, in formal writing or literary and musical discussion.
Memory trick
Its Greek roots join 'mourning' and 'song': think of grief given a voice.
Similar words
lament, dirge, elegy
Where it comes from
Greek thrēnōidia, from thrēnos 'wailing' and ōidē 'song'.
Quick check
At a memorial concert, a singer performs a slow lament for those who died at sea. That song is…
a serenade or a threnody?
Show the answer
a threnody
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