melancholy
Translation
melancholy, sad, pensive, gloomy
Examples
A melancholy tune played on the radio.
A melancholy tune played on the radio.
He had a melancholy expression on his face.
He had a melancholy expression on his face.
Grammar Patterns
melancholy ((noun)) to describe (sth.) as sad or pensive. A melancholy tune played on the radio.
Similar Words
Synonyms: sad, gloomy, pensive, wistful; Antonyms: cheerful, happy, joyful
Etymology
From Greek 'melas' (black) + 'kholē' (bile). Ancient medicine believed sadness was caused by an excess of black bile.
Memory Tips
Think of 'mela-' as black, like a dark, gloomy mood. A 'melancholy melody' is a sad song.