dolores: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Literary (when not used as a proper name)
Quick answer
What does “dolores” mean?
A proper noun and given name of Spanish origin, derived from the Spanish title for the Virgin Mary, 'María de los Dolores', meaning 'Mary of Sorrows'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun and given name of Spanish origin, derived from the Spanish title for the Virgin Mary, 'María de los Dolores', meaning 'Mary of Sorrows'.
As a proper noun, it refers specifically to a female personal name. In rare contexts, it can be used metaphorically to refer to a state of sorrow or grief, but this is highly literary or archaic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage as it is a proper noun. The name may be slightly more familiar in American English due to higher Spanish-language influence and notable bearers (e.g., author Dolores Hitchens).
Connotations
Conveys a sense of tradition, possibly Catholic heritage, and a certain formal or classic sensibility.
Frequency
Very low frequency as a common word. As a name, it is uncommon but recognisable in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “dolores” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun: Subject] + Verb (e.g., Dolores arrived.)[Preposition] + Dolores (e.g., a gift for Dolores)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Only if used as someone's name in correspondence or introductions.
Academic
Might appear in literary studies discussing Spanish naming conventions or specific authors/characters.
Everyday
Almost exclusively as a person's first name.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dolores”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dolores”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dolores”
- Using it with an article (e.g., 'a Dolores') when referring to a person.
- Attempting to pluralise it ('doloreses').
- Assuming it is a common noun in contemporary English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a Spanish name that has been adopted into English for use as a proper noun. It is not a standard common noun in modern English.
Only in very archaic or poetic/literary contexts. In virtually all contemporary usage, it is a person's name.
In British English, it is typically /dəˈlɔːrɛs/ (duh-LOR-ess). In American English, it is often /dəˈlɔrəs/ (duh-LOR-uhs), with a schwa in the final syllable.
Common nicknames include Dolly, Lola, and Lori.
A proper noun and given name of Spanish origin, derived from the Spanish title for the Virgin Mary, 'María de los Dolores', meaning 'Mary of Sorrows'.
Dolores is usually formal / literary (when not used as a proper name) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No common idioms)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Dolores sounds like 'door' and 'less' – imagine feeling sorrow (the old meaning) because there is one less door to opportunity.
Conceptual Metaphor
NAME IS A LEGACY (as a proper noun); SORROW IS A BURDEN (in its archaic, poetic sense).
Practice
Quiz
In modern English, 'Dolores' is primarily used as: