Dolorous
/ˈdəʊlərəs/
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Weight
Use 'dolorous' to emphasize the emotional heaviness of a situation or expression of grief. 
His voice carried a dolorous tone that matched the gloomy atmosphere of the funeral.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Use
'Dolorous' is often used in literary or formal contexts, rather than everyday conversation. 
The novel described the protagonist's journey with dolorous reflections on lost love.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Specific
The term 'dolorous' is suitable for serious, tragic, or respectful contexts, not for minor inconveniences. 
After the town was hit by the hurricane, the mayor's speech was fittingly dolorous.