Word: dirge (noun)

Associations

A "dirge" is a sad song or poem that expresses grief, usually for someone who has died. It is often slow and mournful.

• Example 1: At the funeral, they played a dirge to honor the deceased. This shows it is used in ceremonies of mourning.
• Example 2: The poet wrote a dirge to remember his lost friend. Here, it is a poem expressing sorrow.
• Example 3: The movie had a dirge-like soundtrack during the sad scenes. This means the music was slow and sad. A synonym is "lament," but a lament can be any expression of sorrow, not only a song or poem, while a dirge is specifically a mournful song or poem.

Substitution

Instead of "dirge," you could say:

• "lament" (more general sorrow)
• "elegy" (a poem for someone who died, often more formal)
• "funeral song" (simple and clear) Using "elegy" often implies poetry, while "dirge" can be both song or poem.

Deconstruction

"Dirge" comes from Latin "dirige," meaning "direct" or "guide," originally from a prayer "Dirige, Domine" used in church services for the dead. Over time, it became the name for a mournful song or poem sung at funerals.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you heard a dirge or a sad song at a ceremony?
• How would you feel if you heard a dirge played at a special event?
• Do you know any songs or poems that could be called dirges? Why do they fit this word?