grief

Deep sadness, especially after someone you love has died.

• She cried with grief.
• We shared our grief after losing our friend.
• His sudden death filled the family with grief.

How to use it: grief at/over something (Her grief over her father’s death lasted for years.)

Similar words: sorrow, heartache

Opposites: joy

Common phrases: deep grief, overcome with grief, grief over something

Trouble or annoyance that someone or something causes you.

• This old car gives me grief.
• They gave her grief about her clothes.
• Will I get grief for leaving early?

How to use it: give someone grief about something (My boss gave me grief about being late.)

Similar words: trouble, hassle, aggravation

Common phrases: give someone grief, get grief, cause someone grief

Pain or difficulty that makes life hard.

• War brought grief to every village.
• They endured years of grief and hardship.
• His life held more grief than comfort.

Similar words: suffering, hardship, misery

Opposites: comfort

Common phrases: endure grief, years of grief, grief and hardship

An event or problem that causes sadness or pain.

• Her son’s absence was her greatest grief.
• He kept his private griefs to himself.
• Each family had its own grief to bear.

Similar words: sorrow, trial, affliction

Common phrases: a private grief, a secret grief, share a grief