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melancholy

noun

/ˈmɛlənkəli/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of melancholy

A state of sadness or depression, often characterized by feelings of hopelessness, despair, and a general loss of interest in life.
"As autumn leaves fell, a sense of melancholy settled over the once-bustling park."

Detailed meaning of melancholy

It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a traumatic event, a significant loss, or a chronic medical condition. Melancholy can also be a symptom of a larger mental health disorder, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. It can affect an individual's ability to function in their daily life and may require treatment, such as therapy and medication. In general, Melancholy is a complex and serious emotional state that can be caused by different factors and require different approaches to treatment.

Example sentences containing melancholy

1. The haunting melody of the violin filled the room with a profound sense of melancholy.
2. She couldn't help but feel a pang of melancholy when she visited her childhood home, now abandoned and in disrepair.
3. The old, weathered photograph brought a wave of melancholy as he remembered happier times.
4. The gray, overcast sky contributed to the prevailing sense of melancholy in the city.
5. He penned his thoughts in a journal, expressing the depths of his melancholy.
6. The empty swing swaying gently in the breeze carried a sense of melancholy.

History and etymology of melancholy

The noun 'melancholy' has its etymological origins in Greek and later Latin. It comes from the Greek word 'melankholia,' which is a combination of 'melas,' meaning 'black,' and 'kholē,' meaning 'bile.' In ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that an imbalance in the bodily fluids, particularly an excess of black bile, could lead to a person's disposition becoming excessively sad or gloomy. This idea was later adopted by Roman physicians, who referred to this condition as 'melancholia.' Over time, 'melancholy' evolved to describe a state of sadness or depression, often characterized by feelings of hopelessness, despair, and a general loss of interest in life. The etymology of 'melancholy' highlights its historical connection to the concept of an imbalance in bodily fluids and underscores its role in describing the profound and often dark emotions associated with a state of melancholy.

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Further usage examples of melancholy

1. The deserted, dilapidated amusement park was a poignant symbol of melancholy.
2. The melancholy in her voice was evident as she spoke about the loss of her beloved pet.
3. The rainy days often brought about a feeling of melancholy in him.
4. The novel's melancholy ending left readers in deep contemplation.
5. The quiet, empty streets added to the sense of melancholy during the lockdown.
6. The abandoned house had an air of melancholy, with its broken windows and overgrown garden.
7. The melancholy of the old love letters brought tears to her eyes.
8. The melancholy in his eyes spoke volumes about the pain he had endured.
9. The melancholy of a long-distance relationship was a constant companion for them.
10. The sound of the distant train whistle always filled her with a sense of melancholy.
11. The fading colors of the sunset painted a scene of melancholy beauty.
12. The melancholy in his music resonated deeply with those who had experienced heartbreak.
13. Walking through the cemetery, he couldn't help but feel the weight of melancholy as he read the inscriptions on the gravestones.
14. A sense of melancholy settled over her as she watched the sunset alone.
15. The old photograph filled him with a deep sense of melancholy.
16. Her eyes revealed the melancholy she had been hiding for so long.
17. The melancholy of the rainy day matched his somber mood perfectly.
18. The haunting melody carried a hint of melancholy that touched everyone's hearts.
19. Even in the midst of success, he couldn't escape the grip of melancholy.
20. His melancholy was evident in the way he withdrew from social interactions.
21. The town had an air of melancholy, with its deserted streets and faded memories.
22. She wrote poetry to express the depths of her melancholy.
23. The painting captured the essence of melancholy in its vivid colors.
24. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't shake off the persistent melancholy that hung over him.