Elegy

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

British: /ˈɛlɪdʒi/ | American: /ˈɛlədʒi/

Definitions

• A poem or piece of writing that expresses sorrow, especially for someone who has died.
• A mournful or reflective poem, often dealing with themes of loss and death.

Usage Examples

• The poet composed a beautiful elegy in memory of his late friend.
• Gray’s "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" is a famous example of an elegy.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek "ἐλεγεία" (elegeía), meaning "lament" or "song of mourning," and later adapted into Latin as "elegia." The term has been used in English since the 16th century.

Synonyms

• Lament
• Dirge
• Requiem
• Mournful poem

Antonyms

• Ode
• Celebration
• Jubilation

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈɛlɪdʒi/
• American English: /ˈɛlədʒi/
• Indian English: /ˈɛlədʒi/

Historical Usage

The elegy has been a prominent poetic form since ancient Greece and Rome, often used to mourn the dead or reflect on human mortality. Over time, it evolved to include meditative and philosophical themes.

Cultural Nuances

Elegies are widely used across different cultures to commemorate the deceased. While Western traditions focus on structured elegiac poetry, many Eastern cultures incorporate elegiac elements in folk songs, religious chants, and oral storytelling traditions.

More Information

The elegy remains an important literary form, with notable examples like Milton’s "Lycidas" and Shelley’s "Adonais." Modern poets continue to write elegies to honor individuals, reflect on historical tragedies, or contemplate philosophical themes of loss and remembrance.