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English

wailing

|wail/ing|

B2

/ˈweɪ.lɪŋ/

(wail)

cry of sorrow

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNoun
wailwailswailedwailedwailingwailingswails
Etymology
Etymology Information

'wail' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'væla', where 'væla' meant 'to lament or cry out'.

Historical Evolution

'væla' transformed into the Middle English word 'wailen', and eventually became the modern English word 'wail'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to lament or cry out', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a long, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger.

The wailing of the sirens could be heard throughout the city.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to make a prolonged, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger.

The child was wailing after falling off the swing.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35