While both “wail” and “bewail” involve expressing deep sorrow or grief, they differ in their manner of expression and connotations.
To Wail
Definition
To express deep sorrow, grief, or pain through prolonged, high-pitched cries or sounds.
Connotation and usage
- Suggests a raw, uncontrolled expression of intense emotion
- Often in response to a deeply distressing event or situation
- Primarily refers to the physical act of crying or making a sound
- Can be used literally or figuratively for non-human sounds
Usage examples
- Literature: “The bereaved mother wailed inconsolably at her child’s funeral.”
- Formal writing: “The survivors wailed in anguish as they surveyed the devastation left by the hurricane.”
- Casual conversation: “I could hear the cat wailing outside my window all night.”
Common collocations
- wail in despair
- wail of sirens
- wind wailing
To Bewail
Definition
To express deep sorrow, regret, or grief about something, often through words or lamentations.
Connotation and usage
- Suggests a more verbal or articulate expression of sorrow or regret
- Often implies a more composed or controlled manner of expression
- Can express strong disapproval or disappointment about a state of affairs
- Emphasizes the content of the lamentation rather than the sound
Usage examples
- Literature: “The poet bewailed the loss of innocence in modern society through his verses.”
- Formal writing: “In his memoirs, the former leader bewailed the missed opportunities for peace during his tenure.”
- Casual conversation: “She spent the entire evening bewailing her misfortunes to anyone who would listen.”
Common collocations
- bewail one’s fate
- bewail the loss
- bewail the state of affairs
Comparison
- Nature of expression: “Wail” primarily refers to the physical act of crying or making sounds, while “bewail” emphasizes verbal expression of sorrow or regret.
- Level of control: “Wailing” is often more raw and uncontrolled, while “bewailing” suggests a more composed or controlled expression.
- Articulation: “Wailing” is often inarticulate, whereas “bewailing” implies a more articulate expression of grief or disappointment.
- Immediacy: “Wail” is often associated with an immediate, intense emotional response, while “bewail” can refer to a more prolonged or reflective expression.
- Scope: “Wail” is often used for personal grief, while “bewail” can extend to broader societal or philosophical lamentations.