1. of, relating to, or written in the style of an elegy; expressing sorrow, mourning, or lamentation
Usage: literary; formal
2. having a melancholy, pensive, or wistful quality; evoking sadness or nostalgia
Usage: literary

Examples

• The poet's elegiacal verses mourned the loss of his beloved companion.
• Her elegiacal tone reflected the deep sadness she felt about leaving her childhood home.
• The elegiacal melody of the violin piece moved the entire audience to tears.
• He wrote an elegiacal tribute to the fallen soldiers of the war.
• The painting had an elegiacal quality that captured the beauty of fading autumn leaves.
• The elegiacal atmosphere of the old cemetery inspired contemplation and remembrance.