English Reference
Verb

grieve

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɡɹiv/ UK /ɡɹˈiːv/ grieve

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'.


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 friendShe is grieving for her friend

When expressing the person being mourned, use the preposition 'for' rather than 'of'.

Other families continue to grieve as they seek answers about their relatives killed in US airstrikes.

The Guardian· 24 Aug 2026

Then there is the pet hamster, who we see being held, adored and then grieved for as it rests in its cardboard coffin.

The Guardian· 24 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated