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Word of the Day
melancholy
A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause; a thoughtful or gentle sadness. As an adjective: having a feeling of melancholy; sad and pensive.
Etymology
From Greek "melankholia," from "melas" (black) + "khole" (bile). Ancient medicine believed melancholy was caused by an excess of black bile, one of the four bodily humors.
Usage Examples
"Autumn always brought a touch of melancholy as the days grew shorter."
"The pianist played with a melancholy beauty that moved the audience to tears."
"There's a melancholy charm to abandoned places that photographers find irresistible."
Synonyms
- Sadness
- Wistfulness
- Pensiveness
- Gloom
- Sorrow
Fun Facts
- Unlike depression, melancholy has historically been associated with creativity and artistic temperament.
- The Renaissance viewed melancholy as the mood of scholars and artists.
- Melancholy is often described as "beautiful" sadness - tinged with reflection rather than despair.
Related Terms
- Wistful: Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing
- Pensive: Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought
- Nostalgia: A sentimental longing for the past
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