Basic Details
Word: Wail
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make a long, loud, sad sound, often because of grief or pain.
Synonyms: Cry, weep, moan
Antonyms: Cheer, laugh, rejoice
Idioms and Phrases
- Wail like a banshee: To cry out loudly and uncontrollably. Example: "When she lost the game, she wailed like a banshee in disappointment."
- Wail in the wilderness: To complain or express feelings without being heard by others. Example: "He felt he was wailing in the wilderness as no one listened to his concerns."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The little girl began to wail when she scraped her knee playing outside.
Example 2: At the funeral, friends and family wailed for the loss of their loved one.
Example 3: The wind wailed through the trees, creating an eerie sound in the night.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "wail" comes from the Middle English word "wailen," which means to lament or cry out? It has been used in English for many centuries!
Famous Quote
"A little wail of a child can often reveal the deepest of emotions." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "wail" mean?
a) To laugh quietly
b) To make a loud, sad sound
c) To sing joyfully
d) To whisper softly
Answer: b) To make a loud, sad sound
2. Which of these is a synonym of "wail"?
a) Cheer
b) Cry
c) Smile
d) Jump
Answer: b) Cry
3. What is the opposite of "wail"?
a) Weep
b) Laugh
c) Moan
d) Scream
Answer: b) Laugh
4. Which sentence uses "wail" correctly?
a) She wailed happily during the party.
b) The baby wailed when it was hungry.
c) He wailed as he climbed the tree.
d) The flowers started to wail in the wind.
Answer: b) The baby wailed when it was hungry.
5. What does "wail like a banshee" mean?
a) To eat quietly
b) To complain softly
c) To cry out loudly and uncontrollably
d) To dance gracefully
Answer: c) To cry out loudly and uncontrollably
