Sadness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
sadness
[หsรฆdnษs ]
Definitions
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.
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sorrow |
Suitable for describing a more profound and often prolonged state of sadness, often related to loss or misfortune.
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grief |
Use this term to describe deep sorrow, especially from the death of a loved one. It's often associated with mourning.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
|
sorrowfulness |
Describes a profound sense of grief or regret. Often used in the context of loss or mourning.
|
unhappiness |
Refers to a state of dissatisfaction or discomfort. It can apply to both temporary and more enduring emotional states.
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melancholy |
Carries a poetic or refined connotation and implies a deep, reflective sorrow or wistfulness. It is often used in literary or artistic contexts.
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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.
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Examples of usage
- The sadness in her eyes was unmistakable.
- The film evoked a deep sense of sadness in the audience.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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 emotionโthink 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.
Origin of 'sadness'
The word 'sadness' originates from the Middle English word 'sadnesse', which is a combination of 'sad' (from Old English 'sรฆd' meaning 'sated, full, having had one's fill') and the suffix '-ness' indicating a state or condition. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent the emotional state of sorrow or unhappiness.
See also: sad, sadden, saddened, sadder, sadism, sadist, sadly.
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.
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- 8648 corrective
- 8649 symmetric
- 8650 heel
- 8651 sadness
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- 8653 articulated
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