dirge
/dɜːdʒ/
Group 27Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (noun)
- A lament for the dead; a mournful song or piece of music GRE
Example in Context
The cellist's dirge echoed through the cathedral during the memorial service, filling the space with a grief that words alone could not express.
Synonyms
funeral songlamentrequiem
Etymology
From Latin meaning 'to direct', referring to a song that directs the lament for the dead.
- dirige (Latin) — to direct
Memory Aid
🎶Sounds like “urge”
Imagine a ghost URGING you to sing a DIRGE at its funeral — very spooky and mournful!
Visual Association
⚰️A somber gathering around a coffin, with a lone musician playing a sorrowful tune.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “dirge” mean on the GRE?
dirge (noun) means “A lament for the dead; a mournful song or piece of music”. The cellist's dirge echoed through the cathedral during the memorial service, filling the space with a grief that words alone could not express.
How to remember “dirge” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “dirge” sounds like “urge”. Imagine a ghost URGING you to sing a DIRGE at its funeral — very spooky and mournful!
What are synonyms for “dirge”?
Common synonyms: funeral song, lament, requiem.