Lamentar refers to expressing sorrow, grief, or regret over something. It is often used in contexts where one feels sadness for a loss or disappointment.
The frequency of use is moderate to high, commonly appearing in both oral and written contexts, especially in formal or literary settings.
Example Sentences
Lamentar la muerte de un ser querido es un proceso natural.
Translation: To lament the death of a loved one is a natural process.
Es importante lamentar los errores del pasado para poder avanzar.
Translation: It is important to lament the mistakes of the past in order to move forward.
La comunidad lamenta la pérdida de su antiguo líder.
Translation: The community laments the loss of its former leader.
Idiomatic Expressions
Lamentar is involved in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Some examples include:
Lamentarse por algo:
Estoy cansado de lamentarme por mis decisiones pasadas.
Translation: I am tired of lamenting my past decisions.
No lamentar nada:
A pesar de todo, ella dice que no lamenta nada de su vida.
Translation: Despite everything, she says she regrets nothing about her life.
Lamentar a alguien:
Todos lamentan a Juan, que se ha mudado a otro país.
Translation: Everyone laments Juan, who has moved to another country.
Lamentar públicamente:
El director decidió lamentar públicamente el error que se cometió.
Translation: The director decided to publicly lament the mistake that was made.
Etymology
The word lamentar comes from the Latin verb lamentari, which means "to weep" or "to wail." It is derived from the noun lamentum (lamentation).
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms: sufrir, dolerse, quejarse, arrepentirse
Antonyms: alegrarse, celebrarse, contentarse
Lamentar is a significant verb in the Spanish language as it encapsulates deep emotional responses to loss and disappointment, playing a vital role in communication regarding personal and collective grief.