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n. 1. a. Deep mental anguish, as that arising from bereavement, or an instance of this. See Synonyms at regret. b. A source or cause of deep mental anguish: "That knowledge would be a grief to her" (Tobias Wolff). 2. a. Annoyance or frustration, or an instance of this: Trying to follow their directions was nothing but grief. b. Trouble or difficulty, or an instance of this: the griefs of trying to meet a deadline. c. Informal Criticism or rude talk: gave me a lot of grief about being late. 3. Archaic A grievance. |
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