melancholy
word
/ˈmɛɫənˌkɑɫi/
/mˈɛlənkˌɒli/
Definition
A deep feeling of sadness, often without an obvious reason; a quiet or gentle kind of sorrow.
Usage & Nuances
Formal or literary; 'melancholy' describes a gentle, lingering sadness, not a short or intense one. Used for moods, people, or atmospheres ('a melancholy song'). Not as strong as 'depression.' Often used poetically.
Spanish: melancolíaPortuguese (BR): melancoliaPortuguese (PT): melancoliaChinese (Simplified): 忧郁Chinese (Traditional): 憂鬱Hindi: मलिनताArabic: كآبةBengali: মেলানকলিRussian: меланхолияJapanese: 憂鬱Vietnamese: u sầu - buồn man mácKorean: 우울함Turkish: hüzünUrdu: اداسی - ملالIndonesian: melankolia - kemurungan
Example Sentences
He felt a deep melancholy after the summer ended.
basic
The painting has a melancholy mood.
basic
A sense of melancholy filled the empty house.
basic
There's something melancholy about rainy afternoons.
natural
She played a melancholy tune on the piano that made everyone quiet.
natural
His smile had a hint of melancholy, even on happy days.
natural