Etymology Map
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Lament

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to express grief

Where does the word "lament" come from? It comes from Latin lamentum, passing through Old French before entering English (1500s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
lamentum
Latin · ancient
"wailing"
from an imitative root for crying out
2
Stage 2 of 3
lamenter
Old French · medieval
"to mourn"
Latin 'lamentum' comes from a root for shouting or crying, probably imitative of a wail
3
Stage 3 of 3
lament
English · 1500s
"to mourn"
the Book of Lamentations mourns Jerusalem
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Read the full story

Lament’s story begins in Latin: lamentum meant “wailing.” From an imitative root for crying out. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as lamenter. Latin 'lamentum' comes from a root for shouting or crying, probably imitative of a wail. It reached English by 1500s as lament. The Book of Lamentations mourns Jerusalem. Today, lament means to express grief.