ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›D›doleful
ISEE/SSAThard
doleful
expressing deep sadness or sorrow
Synonyms
- mournful
- sorrowful
- plaintive
Antonyms
- cheerful
- joyful
- buoyant
doleful in a sentence
A doleful melody drifted from the empty theater.
The child cast a doleful glance at the train carrying his friend away.
Where it comes from
From Old French dol, meaning 'sorrow or grief.'
Memory hook
DOLEFUL is FULL of DOLE, an old word for sorrow.
Read it in context
- The Northern Channel History