Melancholia: meaning, definitions and examples
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melancholia
[ˌmɛlənˈkoʊliə ]
Definition
emotional state
Melancholia is a deep, persistent sadness or depression, often characterized by a lack of interest in daily activities and a sense of hopelessness. It can be a reaction to various emotional or physical traumas, or may arise without apparent cause. This condition may affect an individual's ability to function normally in society.
Synonyms
depression, gloom, sadness, sorrow.
Examples of usage
- She felt a wave of melancholia wash over her during the rainy afternoon.
- His melancholia was evident in his art, which often depicted dark and brooding themes.
- Despite the festivities around him, he could not shake off the melancholia that had settled in his heart.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'melancholia' comes from the Greek words for 'black bile,' which was once thought to be a cause of sadness.
- In ancient medicine, it was believed that an imbalance of bodily fluids could lead to emotional states, including deep sadness.
Psychology
- Melancholia can be associated with depression but describes a specific type of profound sadness that often feels heavy and unchangeable.
- Psychologists note that melancholia may lead to deep introspection and can foster creativity in some individuals.
Art and Literature
- Many famous artists, including Van Gogh and Edvard Munch, painted scenes that evoke a sense of melancholia, exploring the beauty of sadness through their art.
- In literature, authors like John Keats and Virginia Woolf often reflected melancholic themes, showing how sadness can inspire depth in writing.
Pop Culture
- Melancholia is not just a feeling; it's also the title of a well-known film by Lars von Trier that explores the themes of depression and the end of the world.
- Many music genres, especially blues and sad ballads, capture the essence of melancholia, resonating with listeners who relate to the feelings expressed.
Historical Perspectives
- Throughout history, melancholia has been seen as both a curse and a source of artistic inspiration, reflecting humanity's complex relationship with sadness.
- The Romantic movement in the 18th and 19th centuries celebrated melancholia as a path to deeper emotions and understanding of the human condition.
Translations
Translations of the word "melancholia" in other languages:
🇵🇹 melancolia
🇮🇳 उदासी
🇩🇪 Melancholie
🇮🇩 melankolis
🇺🇦 меланхолія
🇵🇱 melancholia
🇯🇵 メランコリア
🇫🇷 mélancolie
🇪🇸 melancolía
🇹🇷 melankoli
🇰🇷 우울증
🇸🇦 كآبة
🇨🇿 melancholie
🇸🇰 melanchólia
🇨🇳 忧郁
🇸🇮 melanholija
🇮🇸 melankólía
🇰🇿 меланхолия
🇬🇪 მელანქოლია
🇦🇿 melankoliya
🇲🇽 melancolía