Elegiacs, commonly defined as poetry that expresses sorrow or lamentation, can be substituted with a number of similar terms. For example, mournful, melancholic, somber, and plaintive all capture the same mood. Additionally, words such as pensive, reflective, and nostalgic can be used to describe a tone that is more contemplative or reflective rather than solely sorrowful. Synonyms for elegiacs may also include expressions such as dirges, requiems, or laments, all of which refer to specific forms of lamentation or mourning. Regardless of the specific word chosen, elegiacs serve to evoke emotion and create a sense of empathy or shared experience between reader and writer.