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duelo

grief

noun DWEH-loh Less Common
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Origin: Two unrelated Latin roots: Late Latin dolus ('grief, pain') for the mourning sense, and duellum ('combat') for the duel sense.

Also means

duel

Usage Note

Duelo carries two distinct meanings: mourning or grief (estar de duelo, 'to be in mourning') and a duel or armed confrontation between two parties (un duelo a espada, 'a sword duel'). These two senses are etymologically separate and equally established in modern Spanish. Context makes the meaning clear, but learners should be aware of both.

Examples

"La familia está de duelo tras la pérdida."

Natural Translation

The family is in mourning after the loss.

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