deplore
Deplore (verb) means to express strong disapproval of something. Example: “The council deplored the vandalism of the war memorial.”
How to use deplore
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo strongly condemn or express sorrow and disapproval about something.
Fairly formal — common in official statements and news reports rather than casual speech.
Word forms
deplored past tense, deplores singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The council _____ the vandalism of the war memorial.
Etymology
From Middle French déplorer, from Latin deplorare ("to lament over, bewail"), from de- (intensifier) plus plorare ("to cry out, wail").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for deplore
See all rhymes for deplore →Frequently asked questions
What does “deplore” mean?
The word “deplore” means to express strong disapproval of something. In plain terms, to strongly condemn or express sorrow and disapproval about something.
How do you pronounce “deplore”?
“Deplore” is pronounced dih-PLAW (/dɪˈploɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “deplore” in a sentence?
Here is “deplore” used in a sentence: “The council deplored the vandalism of the war memorial.”
What part of speech is “deplore”?
“Deplore” is a verb.
Where does the word “deplore” come from?
The word “deplore” comes from Latin. From Middle French déplorer, from Latin deplorare ("to lament over, bewail"), from de- (intensifier) plus plorare ("to cry out, wail").