Melancholy

Noun

Definition: A feeling of pensive sadness or depression, typically with no obvious cause.

Synonyms: Sadness, Gloom, Sorrow

Antonyms: Happiness, Joy, Elation

Examples:
  • After the breakup, she sank into a state of deep melancholy.
  • The rainy weather outside only intensified his melancholy mood.
Mnemonics:
  • "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

Examples:
  • The melancholy song reminded him of lost love.
  • Her melancholy expression revealed the depth of her emotions.
Mnemonics:
  • The word "melan-" in melancholy sounds like "mellow," which can be associated with a somber or sad mood.

Etymology:

Origin:

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:

Idiom:

"Melancholy soul"

Explanation:

Referring to a person who tends to have a melancholic disposition or nature.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

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.

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