Basic Details
Word: Alas
Part of Speech: Interjection
Meaning: An expression of sadness or regret.
Synonyms: Unfortunately, sadly
Antonyms: Fortunately, happily
Idioms and Phrases
- Alas, poor Yorick: A phrase that refers to expressing sadness over a lost friend. Example: "In the play, Hamlet exclaims, 'Alas, poor Yorick!' when he finds the skull of his old friend."
- Alas and alack: An expression used to lament about something unfortunate. Example: "Alas and alack, the project didn't go as planned and we missed the deadline."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Alas, I dropped my ice cream on the pavement and couldn't eat it.
Example 2: The team played very well, but alas, they lost the game in the final minutes.
Example 3: She found the lost puppy but alas, it had already been adopted by another family.
Fun Fact
The word "alas" originates from Middle English and is derived from the Latin phrase "a la", meaning "to the", which along with the sense of regret has remained consistent through the years.
Famous Quote
"Alas, the world is full of unwritten tragedies." - A.C. Benson
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "alas" mean?
a) A greeting
b) An expression of sadness or regret
c) A way to celebrate
d) A command
Answer: b) An expression of sadness or regret
2. Which of these is a synonym of "alas"?
a) Excitedly
b) Happily
c) Unfortunately
d) Quickly
Answer: c) Unfortunately
3. What is the opposite of "alas"?
a) Thankfully
b) Sadly
c) Regretfully
d) Angrily
Answer: a) Thankfully
4. Which sentence uses "alas" correctly?
a) Alas, I found the answer to the question.
b) Alas, my favourite toy is missing.
c) I won the game, alas!
d) Alas, I am so excited about the party.
Answer: b) Alas, my favourite toy is missing.
5. Which idiom includes the word "alas"?
a) Alas and alack
b) Cry over spilt milk
c) Beat around the bush
d) The icing on the cake
Answer: a) Alas and alack
