The term "elegiac" refers to a style of writing or expression that conveys a sense of mourning or sorrow, often in response to loss. It is commonly associated with poetry, where the tone reflects grief or lamentation, typically for someone who has passed away. The word originates from the ancient Greek form of poetry known as elegy, which was used to commemorate the dead. In literature, elegiac works often explore themes of nostalgia, remembrance, and the passage of time. Famous examples include W. H. Auden's poem "Funeral Blues" and John Milton's "Lycidas," both of which express deep emotional responses to loss. Elegiac expressions can also be found in music and art, where they evoke similar feelings of sadness and reflection.