melancholy
Translation
melancholy, sadness, gloom
Examples
A feeling of melancholy washed over him.
A feeling of melancholy washed over him.
The film had a melancholy atmosphere.
The film had a melancholy atmosphere.
Grammar Patterns
a feeling of ((melancholy)) a feeling of deep sadness A feeling of melancholy washed over him.
a ((melancholy)) mood a sad or pensive mood The film had a melancholy atmosphere.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sadness, sorrow, gloom; Antonyms: happiness, joy
Etymology
From Greek 'melas' (black) + 'khole' (bile). Ancient medicine believed sadness was caused by an excess of black bile.
Memory Tips
Think of 'mellow collie' - a sad, thoughtful dog. The sound itself evokes a gentle sadness.