Melancholy
Noun
Definition: A feeling of pensive sadness or depression, typically with no obvious cause.
Synonyms: Sadness, Gloom, Sorrow
Antonyms: Happiness, Joy, Elation
- After the breakup, she sank into a state of deep melancholy.
- The rainy weather outside only intensified his melancholy mood.
- "Melancholy" sounds similar to "mal-functioning", which can bring about sadness or depression.
Adjective
Definition: Expressing or reflecting a feeling of melancholy.
Synonyms: Sad, Gloomy, Sorrowful
Antonyms: Happy, Cheerful, Joyful
- The melancholy song reminded him of lost love.
- Her melancholy expression revealed the depth of her emotions.
- The word "melan-" in melancholy sounds like "mellow," which can be associated with a somber or sad mood.
Etymology:
Middle English "melancolie," from Old French "melancolie," from Late Latin "melancholia," from Greek "melankholia," from melas, "black" + kholē, "bile" (thought to be a bodily fluid associated with sadness or depression in ancient medicine).
Historical Usage:The term has been used since ancient times to describe a state of sadness or depression.
Related Idioms:
"Melancholy soul"
Explanation:Referring to a person who tends to have a melancholic disposition or nature.
Misconceptions:
Melancholy is the same as being introverted.
Explanation:While introverted individuals may have a tendency towards introspection and introspective moods, melancholy refers specifically to a feeling of sadness or depression, independent of introversion or extroversion.