Sadder: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when comparing someone's sadness to another time or person. It's typically employed in everyday conversations.

• She was sadder this time after hearing the bad news.
• He looks even sadder today than he did yesterday.

Indicates a state of dissatisfaction or lack of joy. It's broader and can refer to mild to moderate levels of distress or dissatisfaction.

• She was unhappy with her job and wanted to find a new one.
• The children were unhappy because they couldn't go outside to play.

Specifically used to describe feelings or expressions related to mourning or grief, often related to the loss of someone or something significant.

• The mournful cries of the family were heard at the funeral.
• She had a mournful look on her face after the loss of her pet.

Describes an atmosphere or situation that is dark, depressing, or without hope. Often used in weather descriptions or to portray a negative mood.

• The weather was gloomy, with dark clouds covering the sky.
• After hearing the bad news, the room felt very gloomy.

Describes a deep, pensive sadness. Often used in literary or artistic contexts where a deep emotional reflection is depicted.

• He felt a sense of melancholy when he thought about his childhood.
• The paintings evoke a melancholy mood, reflecting the artist's own feelings.

Use 'sadder' to describe a person or situation that has become more unhappy compared to a previous state.

• After hearing the bad news, she felt even sadder than before.
• The movie's ending made him much sadder.

Use 'dull' to describe something lacking in brightness, shine, or excitement, commonly used for weather, colors, and activities.

• The knife is too dull to cut through the meat.
• The lecture was so dull that several students fell asleep.

Use 'drab' for things that are dull and lacking in color or interest, often used to describe clothes, environments, or writing.

• The office walls were painted a drab gray.
• Her outfit was quite drab and uninspiring.

Use 'dingy' to describe something that is dirty, gloomy, or dull in appearance, often referring to places or objects.

• The basement was dark and dingy, full of cobwebs.
• She wore a dingy old coat that had seen better days.

Use 'somber' to describe a mood or atmosphere that is dark, serious, and gloomy, often used for discussions, events, or tones.

• The funeral was a somber occasion.
• He had a somber expression after hearing the tragic news.