blues
word
Definition
The blues can mean a feeling of sadness or low mood, especially in the phrase 'have the blues'. It also refers to a style of music that began in African American communities and strongly influenced jazz, rock, and other genres.
Usage & Nuances
Usually plural when it means sadness: 'I’ve got the blues', not normally 'a blue'. As music, 'blues' is both singular and plural in form but takes singular meaning as a genre: 'I listen to blues'. Common collocations: 'sing the blues', 'Monday blues', 'the winter blues'.
Example Sentences
He has the blues today.
basic
My dad loves blues music.
basic
Rainy days give me the blues.
basic
I've had the blues ever since summer ended.
natural
She sings the blues like she's lived every word.
natural
I always get the Sunday night blues before work.
natural