Definition:
* General: Wailing is a loud, mournful cry, often characterized by prolonged, high-pitched sounds. It's typically associated with intense sorrow, grief, or pain.
* Sound: Think of a sustained, drawn-out cry, often with a rising and falling tone. It's not a simple sob, but something more extended and dramatic.
Contexts:
* Grief and Sorrow: Wailing is often used in the context of mourning, funerals, or expressing deep sadness over a loss.
* Pain: It can also be used to describe a painful, agonizing cry, like the wail of a wounded animal.
* Music: Wailing is sometimes used to describe a mournful or intense sound in music, especially in genres like blues or rock. Think of a guitarist using a "wailing" guitar solo.
Examples:
* "The woman wailed in grief at her husband's funeral."
* "The injured dog wailed in pain after the accident."
* "The singer's voice wailed with emotion as she sang the ballad."
Other considerations:
* Cultural differences: The ways people express grief and sorrow can vary across cultures. In some cultures, wailing is a common expression of mourning, while in others it might be seen as inappropriate.
* Emotional intensity: Wailing suggests a high level of emotional intensity, often exceeding the intensity of a simple sob.
Overall, "wailing" evokes a sense of powerful emotion, pain, and often, a lack of control. It's a word that can be used to paint a vivid picture of intense feelings.