Sadness: meaning, definitions and examples

😢

Add to dictionary

sadness

[ˈsædnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

Sadness is the emotional pain that comes from a loss or disappointment. It is a natural human emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Sadness can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as the death of a loved one, a breakup, or even just a bad day at work.

Synonyms

despair, grief, melancholy, sorrow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sadness	Use this word when referring to a general feeling of unhappiness. It's often used in everyday situations and is less intense than some other synonyms. She felt sadness when she heard the bad news. There was sadness in his voice as he spoke about his lost friend.
sorrow	Suitable for describing a more profound and often prolonged state of sadness, often related to loss or misfortune. Her letter expressed her deep sorrow at his passing. The country was united in sorrow after the tragic event.
grief	Use this term to describe deep sorrow, especially from the death of a loved one. It's often associated with mourning. She was overwhelmed with grief at her father's funeral. Years after the accident, he still felt deep grief.
melancholy	This word is best used when describing a deep, reflective, and often lingering sadness. It's not as overwhelming as grief or despair and can sometimes have a romantic or poetic connotation. He felt a sense of melancholy as he walked through the old neighborhood. The song had a haunting, melancholy tone.
despair	This word is suitable for situations where someone feels a complete loss of hope. It's very intense and often connected with desperate situations. He was in despair after losing his job. She felt despair when she couldn't find her lost pet.

Examples of usage

I felt a deep sense of sadness after the passing of my grandmother.
Her sadness was evident in the way she avoided social gatherings.
The news of the tragedy brought a wave of sadness over the community.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

quality

Sadness can also refer to the quality of being sorrowful or unhappy. It is often associated with a low mood or a lack of joy.

Synonyms

gloominess, melancholy, sorrowfulness, unhappiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sadness	Used to describe a general feeling of low spirits or heartache. It is a broad term used in many contexts, from everyday disappointments to more serious emotional states. She felt a wave of sadness after saying goodbye. His sadness was evident in his eyes.
sorrowfulness	Describes a profound sense of grief or regret. Often used in the context of loss or mourning. Her sorrowfulness was palpable at the funeral. He wrote a sorrowful letter to express his deep regret.
unhappiness	Refers to a state of dissatisfaction or discomfort. It can apply to both temporary and more enduring emotional states. Her unhappiness at work affected her overall wellbeing. There was a general sense of unhappiness among the team.
melancholy	Carries a poetic or refined connotation and implies a deep, reflective sorrow or wistfulness. It is often used in literary or artistic contexts. There was a melancholy tone in his voice when he spoke of the past. The painting evoked a sense of melancholy and longing.
gloominess	Often used to describe a more pervasive and lingering sense of darkness or hopelessness. It can refer to both emotional states and physical environments. The old mansion had an air of gloominess about it. His constant gloominess made it hard to be around him.

Examples of usage

The sadness in her eyes was unmistakable.
The film evoked a deep sense of sadness in the audience.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Sadness can be a healthy response to loss, helping us process grief and understand our feelings.
Research shows that expressing sadness in creative ways, like writing or art, can help people feel better.
Feeling sad temporarily can lead to positive outcomes, such as increased empathy and deeper connections with others.

Literature

Many famous stories use sadness to show character development, like in 'The Catcher in the Rye' where the protagonist grapples with deep feelings.
Poets often explore sadness, capturing its essence in phrases that resonate with universal human experiences.
Classic works, like 'Romeo and Juliet,' highlight how sadness can arise from love and the conflicts it can cause.

Pop Culture

Songs frequently explore themes of sadness, connecting with audiences through emotion—think of ballads that express heartbreak.
Animated films often depict sadness in characters, such as in 'Inside Out,' where it teaches kids that sadness is a vital part of life.
Sadness-themed movies can create a cathartic experience, allowing viewers to confront their emotions alongside the characters.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Aristotle believed that experiencing sadness can lead to personal growth and a greater understanding of life.
Existentialism examines sadness as part of the human condition, prompting reflection on existence and meaning.
Stoicism teaches that feeling sadness doesn't mean being weak; it can be part of our emotional toolkit to help navigate life.

Health

Chronic sadness can affect physical health, leading to conditions like heart disease or a weakened immune system.
Mindfulness practices, like meditation, can help manage sadness and improve overall mental health.
Engaging in physical activities, such as exercising or dancing, can naturally lift mood and counter feelings of sadness.

Translations

Translations of the word "sadness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tristeza

🇮🇳 उदासी

🇩🇪 Traurigkeit

🇮🇩 kesedihan

🇺🇦 смуток

🇵🇱 smutek

🇯🇵 悲しみ (kanashimi)

🇫🇷 tristesse

🇪🇸 tristeza

🇹🇷 üzüntü

🇰🇷 슬픔 (seulpeum)

🇸🇦 حزن (huzn)

🇨🇿 smutek

🇸🇰 smútok

🇨🇳 悲伤 (bēishāng)

🇸🇮 žalost

🇮🇸 sorg

🇰🇿 қайғы

🇬🇪 მოწყენა

🇦🇿 kədər

🇲🇽 tristeza

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,651 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8648 corrective
8649 symmetric
8650 heel
8651 sadness
8652 beverages
8653 articulated
8654 prairie
...