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Definition of dolefully

dolefully

/ˈdoʊl.fə.li/
dole · ful · ly
Adjective:doleful
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dolefully Lexical Profile

dolefully Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner that expresses sorrow, grief, or deep melancholy; mournfully or gloomily.

Example

"The golden retriever stared dolefully at the closed front door after his owner left for work."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for dolefully

• Nearby Words

doldrums
dole
doleful
dolefully
dolefulness
doll
dollar

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the adjective "doleful," which entered Middle English from the archaic noun "dole" (meaning grief or sorrow), borrowed via Old French "duel" from Late Latin "dolus" and Latin "dolere" (to grieve or feel pain).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dolefully. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dolefully
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