Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Saddened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜”
Add to dictionary

saddened

[หˆsadnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Feeling or showing sadness; unhappy.

Synonyms

gloomy, mournful, sorrowful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
saddened

Used to describe a feeling of being made sad or unhappy, often due to a specific event or news.

  • She was deeply saddened by the news of her friend's illness.
  • The community was saddened by the loss of the old library.
sorrowful

Indicates a profound and intense feeling of sadness, often related to personal loss or a deep emotional experience.

  • He gave a sorrowful look when he heard the tragic news.
  • The letter was filled with her sorrowful memories.
mournful

Used to describe sorrow that is often associated with mourning or grieving, typically due to a death or significant loss. It can apply to sounds, expressions, or atmosphere.

  • The mournful tune of the violin echoed through the hall.
  • Her face was mournful at the funeral service.
gloomy

Describes a general feeling of sadness or depression, often associated with a dark or dismal atmosphere. It can also describe weather.

  • It was a gloomy day with heavy rain and dark clouds.
  • He felt gloomy after failing the exam.

Examples of usage

  • She was deeply saddened by the news of his passing.
  • Their faces were all saddened by the loss.
Context #2 | Verb

action

Make or become sad.

Synonyms

depress, dishearten, grieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
saddened

Used in general situations when someone feels a mild to moderate sense of sadness because of an event or news.

  • I was saddened by the news of his departure.
  • She was saddened to hear about the accident.
grieve

Typically used when someone is feeling deep sorrow, especially following someone's death or a significant loss. The feeling is profound and often prolonged.

  • She continues to grieve the loss of her mother.
  • It took him years to grieve after the tragic event.
depress

Often implies a deeper, more prolonged feeling of sadness or hopelessness. Can be used in both a medical and an emotional context.

  • The rainy weather tends to depress me.
  • His constant criticisms depress her deeply.
dishearten

Used in situations where someone feels a loss of motivation or hope, often because of repeated failure or disappointment. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

  • The lack of support from his team disheartened him.
  • She was disheartened by the rejection from the job she really wanted.

Examples of usage

  • The news of the tragedy saddened everyone in the community.
  • She was saddened by his lack of response.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Emotional Psychology

  • Feeling saddened is a normal reaction to loss, disappointment, or change, often leading to self-reflection.
  • Studies show that sadness can increase creativity, helping people to think in new ways.
  • Expressing sadness through talking or writing can improve mental health and help in processing emotions.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, expressing sadness is seen as a natural part of life, offering support systems like rituals and gathering of loved ones.
  • Art and literature often explore themes of sadness, helping people connect through shared experiences.
  • Different cultures have unique ways of coping with sadness, such as storytelling traditions or communal gatherings.

Literature and Film

  • Classic novels often feature characters who become saddened due to unrequited love or tragic circumstances, driving the plot forward.
  • Many films use the theme of sadness to evoke empathy, creating deep emotional connections with the audience.
  • Poetry frequently captures the essence of sadness, using metaphors and vivid imagery to express complex emotions.

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, societal events like wars and economic depressions have contributed to widespread feelings of sadness among populations.
  • The Romantic era in literature and art placed significant emphasis on emotions, including sadness, as a deep human experience.
  • Important historical figures, such as writers and artists, often wrote about their personal sadness to inspire change or provoke thought.

Origin of 'saddened'

The word 'saddened' is derived from the verb 'sadden', which dates back to the early 17th century. The prefix 'sad' comes from the Old English 'sรฆd', meaning 'sated, full, weary'. Over time, 'sadden' evolved to include the meaning of making someone feel sad or unhappy. The adjective 'saddened' was later formed from the past participle of 'sadden', creating a word to describe the state of feeling sad or unhappy.

See also: sad, sadden, sadder, sadism, sadist, sadly, sadness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,776, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.