dolorous (2009-05-09)

Part of Speech: adjective

Pronunciation: ['do-lê-rês]

Definition: Mournful, causing or expressing grief.

Usage: This is a term to use in place of "sorrowful" or "sad" when you wish to speak in a higher register: "The dolorous atmosphere in the house made wittiness awkward" or "The dolorous expression on her face bespeaks a recent tragedy in her life." (A linguistic register is a level of sophistication, e.g. the difference in your speech when talking to your boss versus talking about him in the local tavern.)

Suggested Usage: The noun is dolor or dolour (British).

Etymology: Latin dolorosus from dolor "pain, grief" from dolere "to suffer pain."