"Bemoan" vs. "lament": echoes of sorrow

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 30/10/2024, 01:54

English.me team member

Bemoan and lament. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "bemoan" and "lament" express sorrow, regret, or disappointment over something. They are often used interchangeably in contexts discussing grief or dissatisfaction.

What is different?

While both words express regret or sorrow, "bemoan" typically implies expressing displeasure or dissatisfaction vocally, often with a connotation of complaining. "Lament" is more formal and can imply a deeper, more profound expression of grief or sorrow, often used in literary contexts.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Bemoan

She always bemoans the lack of parking spaces.
The citizens bemoaned the city's decision to increase taxes.
He bemoaned the decline of traditional craftsmanship.

Lament

Many people lament the loss of traditional languages.
The nation lamented the passing of their beloved leader.
He lamented that he could not find happiness in his work.