alas

Definition

Used to express sorrow, regret, compassion, grief, resignation, or disappointment.

Etymology

From Middle English alas, from Old French a las (French hélas), from a (“ah”) + las, from Latin lassus (“weary”). Compare Dutch helaas, North Frisian ielas, West Frisian eilaas.

Example Sentences

• "I wanted to catch the last bus home, but alas, I was ten minutes late and had to take a taxi instead."
• "Helas I lamente the dull abuſyd brayne The enfatuate fantaſies the wytles wylfulnes Of on and hothyr at me that haue dyſdayne"
• "Alas poore Yorick, I knew him Horatio, a fellow of infinite Ieſt; of moſt excellent fancy, he hath borne me on his backe a thouſand times: And how abhorred my Imagination is, my gorge riſes at it."