An elegiac stanza is a form of poetry that expresses sorrow and mourning. There are many synonyms for elegiac stanza, including elegy, threnody, lament, dirge, and requiem. These forms of poetry are often used to express grief or to eulogize the dead. Elegies are particularly associated with funerals, while threnodies are more often associated with ancient Greek poetry. Dirges are typically more mournful, with a slower tempo and more somber language, while requiems are often associated with religious ceremonies. Regardless of the term used, elegiac stanzas offer a powerful outlet for expressing grief and sadness.