a hint of melancholy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hint of melancholy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or slight feeling of sadness or wistfulness in various contexts, such as literature, music, or art. Example: "The painting captured a hint of melancholy, evoking a sense of nostalgia in the viewer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The movie added a hint of melancholy at the end, but the over-all mood was triumphalist.

The New Yorker

The Fourth Symphony, which opened the Brahms series, was homogenous and gently flowing, with a hint of melancholy throughout.

The New York Times - Arts

Speaking slowly, with a hint of melancholy, Mr. Eve said, "That used to bother me, but it doesn't anymore.

The New York Times

In Will Eno's "Middletown" impeccable comic timing and a hint of melancholy made Ms. Engel's scenes as the town librarian glitter.

The New York Times

It is in his gentle warmth and superlative elegance often with a hint of melancholy just below the surface that Boccherini's most characteristic contribution may be found.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like his listeners, Eminem is living in a changed world, and although he has adapted gracefully, there's a hint of melancholy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A result of his ambitious attitude and a keenness to remain, well, in style, the track is a burst of funky unusualness with a hint of melodic melancholy.

Vice

They sing about friendship, hangovers, broken hearts and first loves, with a tiny hint of melancholy on songs such as "Wild Young Hearts": "I'm not what I was last summer/ Not who I was in the spring".

Independent

But just as the novel's comedy was anchored by an underlying hint of melancholy, so the generally somber tone of "Referred Pain: And Other Stories" is lightened by flashes of dark humor.

The New York Times - Books

There was a hint almost of melancholy defiance in Obama's inaugural rallying cry: "We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on earth.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there was a touch of melancholy, a hint of preoccupation, about his mood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing art, music, or literature, use "a hint of melancholy" to subtly convey a somber or reflective tone without being overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "a hint of melancholy" in casual dialogue, as it can sound unnatural or overly literary. Opt for simpler expressions of sadness or disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hint of melancholy" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object or complement to describe a subtle emotional quality. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Film

4%

Less common in

Arts

3%

Music

3%

Books

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hint of melancholy" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a subtle feeling of sadness or wistfulness. Ludwig AI and its examples show that while not exceedingly common, the expression appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mainly within news, media and encyclopedia contexts. Alternatives like "a touch of sadness" or "a shade of wistfulness" can be used depending on the precise emotion you wish to convey. When using "a hint of melancholy", remember to reserve it for appropriate contexts where a subtle emotional tone is desired, avoiding overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a touch of sadness

Replaces "melancholy" with the more general term "sadness", reducing the intensity of the feeling.

a trace of sorrow

Substitutes "melancholy" with "sorrow", conveying a deeper, more poignant sense of grief.

a shade of wistfulness

Emphasizes the longing and pensive aspect, shifting away from the sadness component.

a suggestion of gloom

Replaces "melancholy" with "gloom", intensifying the feeling of darkness and despondency.

a whisper of despair

Implies a more profound and subtle sense of hopelessness compared to "melancholy".

a tinge of pensiveness

Focuses on thoughtful reflection, downplaying the sadness associated with melancholy.

an echo of grief

Conveys a lingering sense of loss and mourning, emphasizing the aftermath of sorrow.

a note of somberness

Highlights the gravity and seriousness of the mood, steering away from personal sadness.

an air of sorrowfulness

Suggests a pervasive atmosphere of sadness rather than an individual feeling.

a moment of despondency

Implies a brief and temporary state of low spirits, distinct from the more enduring nature of melancholy.

FAQs

How can I use "a hint of melancholy" in a sentence?

Use "a hint of melancholy" to describe a subtle feeling of sadness or wistfulness, for example, "The old photograph held "a hint of melancholy", reminding her of days gone by".

What are some alternatives to "a hint of melancholy"?

Alternatives include "a touch of sadness", "a trace of sorrow", or "a shade of wistfulness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a hint of melancholy" in formal writing?

Yes, "a hint of melancholy" is suitable for formal writing, especially when analyzing literature, art, or music where subtle emotions are being described. The register is neutral and appropriate.

What's the difference between "a hint of melancholy" and "a sense of melancholy"?

"A hint of melancholy" suggests a subtle, almost imperceptible feeling, while "a sense of melancholy" implies a more pervasive and noticeable atmosphere or feeling.