Pronunciation: [dˈə͡ʊlfə͡l] (IPA) 
Doleful is a six-letter English adjective that refers to expressing sorrow. The word is pronounced /ˈdəʊlfʊl/ (DOH-l-full) and spelled using the letter "d," followed by "o," "l," "e," "f," "u," and "l". The word has roots in Old English and Middle English and can be traced back to "dol" which means grief. Doleful is a common word used in literature and poetry to describe a solemn and sorrowful mood.
Doleful is an adjective that is used to describe something or someone that is sorrowful, mournful, or expressing grief in a deep and sincere manner. The term is often associated with a sense of sadness or melancholy.
A doleful expression or demeanor often denotes a deep sense of unhappiness or sorrow, with visible signs such as a solemn face, teary eyes, or a downcast posture. It can refer to a person who is undergoing a period of mourning or experiencing great pain or distress. It may also describe a situation or event that brings forth feelings of gloom or desolation, evoking a sense of misery or regret.
The word doleful finds its origins in Middle English and Old English, where "dol" referred to sorrow or grief. Over time, it has come to represent a state of being deeply sad or filled with sorrow. Synonyms of doleful include mournful, woeful, forlorn, desolate, and dismal.
In literature or poetry, doleful may be used to set a somber or melancholic tone, painting a picture of sorrow, tragedy, or loss. It can also be used to describe music or sounds that share characteristics of sadness or mourning.
Overall, doleful is an adjective that conveys profound sadness or grief, capturing the essence of intense sorrow, misery, or melancholy.
Sorrowful; expressing grief; sad; dismal; melancholy; querulous.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "doleful" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the combination of two words: "dol" and "ful".
"Dol" comes from the Old English word "dol" or "dolo", which means sorrow, grief, or pain. It can also refer to being in distress or trouble.
The suffix "ful" is a common English suffix used to form adjectives. It means "full of" or "characterized by". When combined with "dol", it creates the adjective "doleful", which means full of sorrow or expressing grief.
Overall, the etymology of the word "doleful" suggests its origins in Old English and its association with feelings of sorrow and grief.
