Downcast: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used when someone is looking or feeling despondent and their mood is visibly low.

• She felt downcast after hearing the bad news.
• His downcast eyes spoke volumes about his current state of mind.

Refers to a clinical state or a severe, prolonged feeling of sadness. It's more clinical and serious.

• He has been depressed ever since he lost his job.
• She sought help from a therapist because she was feeling depressed.

Used in general situations when someone feels unhappy or sorrowful. It is the most common and less intense term.

• She felt sad when her friend moved away.
• It's sad to see so many people affected by the hurricane.

Used when someone loses motivation or confidence due to a setback or disappointment.

• After failing the exam, she felt completely disheartened.
• He was disheartened by the lack of support from his colleagues.

Used to describe someone who is feeling sad or dejected, often looking down physically. This word can imply a personal emotional struggle.

• She felt downcast after hearing the disappointing news.
• His downcast eyes revealed his sorrow.

Used to depict a deep, reflective sadness. It's often associated with a nostalgic or wistful feeling rather than an immediate or intense sadness.

• There was a sense of melancholy in her voice as she talked about her childhood.
• He felt a melancholy longing for the carefree days of his youth.

Describes an atmosphere or situation that is dark, depressing, or filled with despair. It is also used for people but conveys a deeper sense of pervasive sadness.

• The gloomy weather made everyone feel a bit more subdued.
• He had a gloomy outlook on the future.

Best used to describe a profound and often public expression of grief, typically after a significant loss or death. It carries a strong emotional weight.

• The mournful cries at the funeral could be heard from afar.
• She wrote a mournful poem about her late husband.

Used to describe someone who looks sad, disappointed, or is feeling low in spirits. This word often has a negative emotional connotation.

• She looked downcast after hearing the bad news.
• His downcast eyes revealed his sorrow.

Used to describe the action of moving something down or reducing its level, value, or strength. It can also be used to refer to a more subdued or quieter state.

• Can you lower the volume?
• They decided to lower the price of the tickets.

Used when indicating the act of preventing something bad from happening or turning away one’s eyes or thoughts from something unpleasing.

• Doctors were able to avert a health crisis.
• She averted her gaze to avoid eye contact.

Used to describe rejecting or refusing something, such as an offer or invitation. It can also be used to indicate decreasing the intensity of something, like sound or light.

• She decided to turn down the job offer.
• Please turn down the music, it's too loud.