Melancholy

/ˈmɛl.ən.kɒl.i/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A deep, persistent sadness or gloom.

After the loss of her beloved pet, she fell into a deep melancholy that lasted for weeks.

A thoughtful or pensive sadness.

As he stared out at the ocean, a sense of melancholy washed over him, reminding him of his childhood.

adjective

Having a mournful or gloomy disposition.

The melancholy music perfectly captured the somber mood of the film.

Characterized by or exhibiting sadness or gloom.

The artist's melancholy paintings often reflect the struggles of his personal life.

From Middle English, from Old French mélancolie, from Latin melancholia, from Greek melankholía (black bile, melancholy).

melancholy mood

A state of sadness or sorrowfulness.

heavy with melancholy

Intensely aware of sadness or sorrow.

a tinge of melancholy

A slight trace of sadness or sadness that lingers.

melancholic

Adjective describing a feeling of deep sadness.

depression

A state of low mood and aversion to activity.

nostalgia

A sentimental longing for the past.

Feeling blue

After the breakup, she was feeling really blue.

In a funk

He's been in a funk ever since he lost his job.