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“Misery loves company”: meaning, origin and examples

Misery loves company

What it means

The phrase Misery loves company means that people who are unhappy or suffering tend to seek out others who are in a similar situation, often to feel a sense of solidarity or shared experience.

Tone Cynical

Where it comes from

The origin of the phrase can be traced back to ancient times, with a similar sentiment appearing in text like Solamen miseris socios habuisse doloris, a line from playwright Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus in the late 16th century, which means “It is a comfort to the unfortunate to have had companions in woe.”

Examples

  • After the breakup, John surrounded himself with friends going through similar heartaches because misery loves company.
  • During the long and difficult march, the soldiers found some solace in their shared hardships, proving once again that misery loves company.

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