Melancholy: meaning, definitions and examples

Melancholy is often used to describe a deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness. It carries a sense of beautiful sadness, often connected to nostalgia or reflection.

• She felt a sense of melancholy as she looked through her old photo album.
• The melancholy melody of the piano made him reminisce about the past.

Sadness is a general term for feeling sorrowful or unhappy. It describes a temporary emotional state that can be caused by various factors.

• He felt a wave of sadness when his friend moved to another city.
• The movie left her with a deep sadness.

Sorrow is used for profound distress or grief, often linked with a significant loss. It is more intense than sadness and usually lasts longer.

• She could barely speak through her sorrow after her mother's death.
• His face showed deep sorrow as he attended the funeral.

Despair indicates a complete loss of hope. It is used in situations where someone feels utterly hopeless and sees no way out of their misery.

• After losing his job and his home, he felt a deep sense of despair.
• She sank into despair when she realized she couldn't save her relationship.

Used to describe a deep, reflective sadness often paired with a sense of tranquility or beauty. Suitable for poetic or emotional contexts.

• She sat by the window, lost in melancholy thoughts about the past.
• The old photographs brought a sense of melancholy to the evening.

A general term for the feeling of being unhappy, down, or upset. It can apply to any situation where someone is feeling low.

• She couldn't shake the sadness after hearing about her friend's illness.
• There was a noticeable sadness in his eyes when he talked about his childhood.

Describes deep distress, grief, or regret often caused by loss or misfortune. It carries a heavier, more profound weight than simple sadness.

• He felt immense sorrow after the passing of his beloved dog.
• The entire community shared in the sorrow of the tragic event.

Refers to a state of darkness or dim light, often suggesting a feeling of depression or hopelessness. It can describe both physical and emotional states.

• A sense of gloom settled over the room as the news spread.
• The dense fog added to the overall gloom of the dreary morning.

Melancholy fits situations where someone feels a deep, lasting sadness often without a clear reason. It can be used to describe a general mood or atmosphere.

• She looked out the window with a melancholy expression
• The autumn evening had a melancholy beauty

Pensive is best for moments when someone is deeply lost in thought, often in a reflective or contemplative manner, not necessarily sad.

• He sat by the fireplace, pensive, thinking about the day's events
• Her face was pensive as she read the old letter

Sorrowful is used when describing someone who is feeling or showing great sadness, especially because of a specific loss or disappointment.

• The widow's eyes were sorrowful at the funeral
• He had a sorrowful look after hearing the bad news

Wistful is appropriate when someone is yearning or longing for something with a sense of gentle sadness and nostalgia.

• She gave a wistful smile as she looked at the old photographs
• His mind was filled with wistful memories of his childhood