Sad Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sad
[sæd ]
Definitions
feeling
Feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy.
Synonyms
melancholic, mournful, sorrowful, unhappy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sad |
General emotion of unhappiness or disappointment.
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| unhappy |
Feeling discontent, generally due to a particular situation or broader circumstances.
|
| sorrowful |
Intense feeling of grief or remorse, often due to significant personal loss or regret.
|
| mournful |
Expressing or feeling deep sorrow, often associated with mourning a loss.
|
| melancholic |
A deep and wistful or pensive sadness that is often reflective and prolonged.
|
Examples of usage
- I feel sad because I miss my family.
- She had a sad expression on her face.
- His sad eyes revealed his inner turmoil.
- The movie had a sad ending.
- The news of the accident left everyone feeling sad.
emotion
A feeling of sorrow; unhappiness.
Synonyms
despair, grief, melancholy, sorrow.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sad |
Universal term for feeling unhappy or down, used in everyday conversations.
|
| sorrow |
Intense feeling of sadness or regret, can be a response to both personal loss and broader issues.
|
| grief |
Deep sorrow, usually in response to a significant loss or death; often intense and enduring.
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| melancholy |
A deep, gentle sadness, often reflective and sometimes poetic; tends to be more prolonged and can have a nostalgic quality.
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| despair |
Extreme feeling of hopelessness, often used to describe a situation where one feels there is no way out.
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Examples of usage
- I couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness.
- He was overwhelmed by a wave of sadness.
- She tried to hide her sadness with a smile.
- The sadness in his voice was palpable.
- The sadness in her eyes was heart-wrenching.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Emotional Psychology
- People feel this way as a natural reaction to loss, disappointment, or hurt.
- This feeling can be temporary or last for a longer time, depending on the situation.
- Sometimes, tears are a way to express feeling this way, helping to release built-up emotions.
Cultural Representation
- Many songs and movies explore feelings of this nature, often making them relatable to audiences.
- In literature, characters experiencing this often undergo transformations that lead to personal growth or introspection.
- Art has long captured this emotion, using somber colors and themes to evoke a sense of melancholy.
Philosophical Perspectives
- Some philosophers argue this feeling helps us appreciate joy, as we learn to value happiness by experiencing the opposite.
- Existentialists suggest that feeling this way can be a crucial part of understanding our existence and finding meaning in life.
Biological Basis
- Research suggests that neurotransmitters in the brain, like serotonin, can influence the likelihood of feeling this way.
- Hormonal changes, especially during different life stages, can heighten feelings associated with this emotion.
Historical Viewpoints
- In ancient cultures, this feeling was often associated with changes in seasonal cycles, seen as a natural part of human life.
- During the Renaissance, the bittersweet aspect of this emotion was celebrated in art and poetry, framing it as part of the human experience.
Origin of 'sad'
The word 'sad' originated from the Old English word 'sæd', which means weary or sated. Over time, its meaning evolved to convey a sense of sorrow or unhappiness. The concept of sadness has been a universal human experience throughout history, often associated with loss, disappointment, or loneliness. Expressions of sadness can be found in literature, art, music, and psychology, reflecting the complex nature of human emotions.
See also: sadden, saddened, sadder, sadism, sadist, sadly, sadness.