Melancholy: meaning, definitions and examples

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melancholy

[ ˈmɛlənkəli ]

^{Context #1}

feeling

A deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness or gloom.

Synonyms

despair, sadness, sorrow

Examples of usage

The melancholy in her eyes showed that she was still grieving.
He couldn't shake off the melancholy that had settled over him since the loss of his job.

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literature

A literary, musical, or artistic work that expresses melancholy or sadness.

Synonyms

gloom, sadness, sorrow

Examples of usage

The composer's symphony was a beautiful expression of melancholy.
The novel was praised for its melancholy and haunting prose.

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mood

Feeling or showing a thoughtful or gentle sadness.

Synonyms

pensive, sorrowful, wistful

Examples of usage

She had a melancholy smile on her face as she remembered the past.
The painting evoked a sense of melancholy in all who viewed it.

Translations

Translations of the word "melancholy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 melancolia

🇮🇳 उदासी

🇩🇪 Melancholie

🇮🇩 melankolis

🇺🇦 меланхолія

🇵🇱 melancholia

🇯🇵 憂鬱 (ゆううつ)

🇫🇷 mélancolie

🇪🇸 melancolía

🇹🇷 melankoli

🇰🇷 우울

🇸🇦 كآبة

🇨🇿 melancholie

🇸🇰 melanchólia

🇨🇳 忧郁 (yōuyù)

🇸🇮 melanholija

🇮🇸 þunglyndi

🇰🇿 меланхолия

🇬🇪 მელანქოლია

🇦🇿 melanxoliya

🇲🇽 melancolía

Word origin

The word 'melancholy' has its roots in ancient Greek philosophy, where it was believed that an excess of black bile in the body could lead to a state of melancholia. This concept evolved over time to refer to a deep sadness or gloom. The term has been used in literature, music, and art to evoke emotions of thoughtful sadness and reflection. Melancholy is often associated with introspection and a sense of longing for something lost or unattainable.