Word
grieve
US/ˈɡɹiv/
UK/ɡɹˈiːv/
Definition
v. to feel very deep sadness, especially because someone you love has died. You might also use this when you lose something very important to you.
v. to experience intense sorrow or distress, typically following the death of a loved one. Often used intransitively with 'for' or 'over'.
Examples
“She needs time to grieve for her father.”
“The entire community gathered at the park to grieve the loss of the historic library after the fire.”
“Psychologists suggest that individuals must be allowed to grieve at their own pace, as the process of reconciling with a permanent loss rarely follows a linear or predictable timeline.”
Examples
simple
“She needs time to grieve for her father.”
contextual
“The entire community gathered at the park to grieve the loss of the historic library after the fire.”
complex
“Psychologists suggest that individuals must be allowed to grieve at their own pace, as the process of reconciling with a permanent loss rarely follows a linear or predictable timeline.”
Usage
Can be used intransitively (to grieve for someone) or transitively (to grieve a loss).
Pitfall
She is grieving of her friend
She is grieving for her friend
When expressing the person being mourned, use the preposition 'for' rather than 'of'.
Real-World Examples
“Other families continue to grieve as they seek answers about their relatives killed in US airstrikes.” “Then there is the pet hamster, who we see being held, adored and then grieved for as it rests in its cardboard coffin.” “Not a professor, not a headline, not a symbol.” She asked that they be given “time, space and quiet” to grieve.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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