The term "lament" signifies what?

The term "lament" signifies an expression of sorrow or sadness, which is why the chosen answer is correct. In literature, a lament often takes the form of a poem or song that mourns the loss of someone or something significant, conveying deep emotional pain or grief. This characteristic connects strongly with themes of loss and mourning, making lamentation a powerful literary device used by authors to evoke empathy and reflect on human experiences of hardship and bereavement.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the definition of "lament." An expression of happiness or celebration, a type of persuasive argument, and a method of describing something vividly all convey different meanings that do not capture the essence of what it means to lament. Therefore, the context and emotional weight associated with the term clearly indicate that it signifies sorrow or sadness.