Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all

Definitie & Betekenis van "better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all"

better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all

used to suggest that the joy and fulfillment of love, even if temporary, outweighs the pain of losing it

Proverb

What is the origin of the proverb "better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" can be traced to a poem by the famous English poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, who included it in his work 'In Memoriam,' published in 1850. The message emphasizes that love, despite its challenges and potential for heartbreak, brings a richness to life that would be missing if one avoided love altogether. This proverb is often used to comfort someone who has experienced the end of a relationship, encouraging them to appreciate the good moments from that love rather than focusing only on the loss.

Example

The heartbroken man consoled himself with the thought that it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all - he was grateful for the memories and experiences he had shared with his former partner.