Definition of sorrowful

The English word "sorrowful" originated from the Old English word "sorgfull," which consisted of two parts: "sorg" meaning sorrow or anguish, and "full" meaning full or complete. This compound word emerged around the 10th century, and its meaning remained largely unchanged throughout Middle English and early Modern English. The word's etymological roots can be traced back to the Old Norse word "sorgiligr," which had a similar meaning. This shared origin highlights the historical connections between the English and Old Norse languages, which were influences on each other during the Viking Age. The use of "sorrowful" to describe someone's emotional state most likely emerged during the Middle English period around the 13th century. During this time, there was an increased emphasis on human emotions and psychological states, which is reflected in the development of new vocabulary related to emotional expression. The Middle English language was also influenced by French, and the Norman Conquest in 1066 facilitated the introduction of many French words into the English language. It is possible that the Old French word "sorrowel" or "sorourel" contributed to the development of the English word "sorrowful," as there are similarities in pronunciation and meaning. In summary, the word "sorrowful" originated from the Old English word "sorgfull," which combined the Old Norse word "sorgiligr" with the Old English word "full." Its use to describe emotional states likely emerged during the Middle English period, and it reflects the influence of Old French and Norse on the English language.