Dedolence

/ˈdɛdələns/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being without sorrow, or the removal of sorrow or grief.

Etymology

From de- (removal/negation) + dolence (from Latin 'dolentia,' pain or sorrow). An obsolete English word from medieval and Renaissance periods.

Kelly Says

Medieval and Renaissance writers created pairs of words—'dolence' (sadness) and 'dedolence' (lack of sadness)—creating a symmetry that sounds poetic. It's like old English had a word for 'un-sadness.'

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