a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Also seen as: shared sorrow is half sorrow
Meaning · English
Grief can be alleviated by discussing it with someone.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
As a result, the optimist always has the lower hand, given that everyone around him is the opposite. You’d be considered a leper if you did not participate in the average, mediocre people’s wailing and complaining. If I’m not happy, I’ll not let you stay happy. After all, sorrow shared is sorrow hal
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved” mean?
Grief can be alleviated by discussing it with someone.
Is “a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.