Sadder Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sadder

[ˈsædər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy. Having experienced a loss or feeling of disappointment.

Synonyms

gloomy, melancholy, mournful, unhappy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sadder	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.
unhappy	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.
mournful	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.
gloomy	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.
melancholy	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.

Examples of usage

I felt sadder when I heard the news.
She looked sadder than usual today.
The sadder he became, the more he isolated himself from others.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

appearance

Having a desolate or gloomy appearance; dark or dull in color.

Synonyms

dingy, drab, dull, somber.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sadder	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.
dull	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.
drab	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.
dingy	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.
somber	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.

Examples of usage

The sadder tones in the painting created a somber atmosphere.
The room's sadder hues gave it a melancholic feel.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Experiencing sadness triggers chemical changes in the brain, often involving neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can make us feel sadder over time without intervention.
Studies have shown that prolonged feelings of sadness can lead to deeper emotional states, making individuals feel stuck in their sadness.
Expressing sadness through talking or art helps improve well-being and can alleviate feelings of sadness, even making the experience less 'sadder.'

Literature

In literature, the exploration of sadness often leads to profound character development, as authors depict characters overcoming struggles.
Authors like Dostoevsky and Shakespeare masterfully portrayed emotions, often showing how sadness can lead to enlightenment or tragic outcomes.
Poetry frequently reflects varying levels of sadness, capturing complexities of human emotion, influencing themes and moods in works across time.

Pop Culture

Sad songs are a popular genre, often resonating deeply with listeners, and can be perceived as sadder due to relatable lyrics and melodies.
Movies often use music and visuals to heighten sadness, leading viewers to feel the emotions of characters more intensely, making scenes seem sadder.
Social media trends often highlight emotions, where people share experiences of feeling sadder, creating a community of shared feelings.

Art

Many artists utilize darker colors in paintings to convey deeper feelings of sadness, making the artwork feel sadder and more introspective.
The portrayal of emotion in sculptures can evoke sadness through posture and expression, allowing viewers to connect on an emotional level.
Even cartoons use exaggerated facial expressions to show sadness, making characters seem sadder, amplifying the humor or poignancy.

Origin of 'sadder'

Main points about word origin

The word 'sadder' is a comparative form of 'sad,' meaning it's used to compare two feelings of sadness.
Its roots come from Old English 'sæd,' which means 'sated' or 'full,' and has morphed to describe emotional states.
The structure of the word follows the English pattern where adding 'er' makes an adjective comparative, like 'fast' to 'faster.'

The word 'sadder' originates from the Old English word 'sæd', which means wearied, tired, or sorrowful. Over time, the word evolved to its current form, with the additional '-er' suffix indicating a comparative form of sadness. The concept of sadness has been a prevalent theme in literature, art, and human emotions throughout history, with various expressions and interpretations.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,781, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24778 grandpa
24779 hybridized
24780 cockroach
24781 sadder
24782 revetment
24783 brevet
24784 pejorative
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