interjection
alas
uh-LASS/əˈlæs/
Expresses sorrow or regret.
Alas, the favorite bowl is broken.
Etymology
An exclamation of “ah” joined a word originally meaning “weary,” which came to mean “unfortunate.” What began as an expression of tiredness became a cry of sorrow or regret.
In context
miserable captives who seeing him Cried Out alas young man Art Thou come to be one amongst us in this miserable Den
More examples
- We hoped for sunshine, but alas, it rained all day.
- Alas, their efforts came too late.
- The old theater is, alas, beyond repair.
Forms
alas
Similar words
- unfortunately
- The neutral alternative to a literary exclamation.
- regrettably
- A more neutral way to introduce disappointing news.