melancholy

USAGE SUMMARY

The word melancholy is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a feeling of sadness, disappointment, or pensiveness. For example, "The man felt a deep melancholy as he thought about the difficult times ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are incredibly melancholy, with a strong emotional core, while remaining absolutely terrifying.

The Guardian - Film

It was before I was an actor, a melancholy time in my life, and this mood was reflected in the film.

The Guardian - Film

Around the random murders, the film hones in on Berlin's melancholy, a landscape of puddles and prostitutes, a silent city – the hush broken by bells or shrieks, the tap-tap of a tool being sharpened, and haunted by the killer's eerie whistling of Grieg's "In the Hall of The Mountain King".

The Guardian - Film

After the melancholy party had stayed there for some time, Monsieur Tournevau remarked: 'This isn't very cheerful, is it?' Unable to lose themselves in carnality and frolics, the men must confront reality, which Maupassant presents as a yawning void filled with monotonous echoes.

The Guardian - Books

We are now on the roof, but I can hear the guitars and the humble Andean folk downstairs singing a melancholy refrain.

The Guardian - Travel

And just in time, before I am entirely overwhelmed by melancholy courtesy of the Wogan all-time favourite playlist, he plays an unbeat one.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Measured but never bloodless, ranging from skittish to melancholy, it was a fittingly virtuoso way to close an evening that underlined the Academy's reputation for musical excellence.

The Guardian

Unexpectedly he lets out a guttural, melancholy groan.

The Guardian

The melancholy poetry of its secular patron saint, Philip Larkin, seems to ooze from the banks of the Humber.

The Guardian

There was just one, melancholy hint of warmth in eight days – a letter from one of the daughters he left in Iran, gushing to him about her wedding.

The Guardian

This is the simple but rather melancholy observation that, when you knock away thousands of years of ritual, poetry, myth and song, love is just another neurobiological process, like sweating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "melancholy" to describe a state of thoughtful sadness, particularly when reflecting on the past or contemplating the nature of existence.

Common error

Avoid using "melancholy" in situations that are merely slightly sad or disappointing; reserve it for genuine feelings of deep, reflective sadness.

Linguistic Context

The word "melancholy" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of sadness or pensiveness. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, as exemplified in sentences expressing feelings of sadness and reflection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Film

20%

Music

15%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Books

7%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "melancholy" is a versatile adjective used to describe a state of thoughtful sadness, often associated with reflection and introspection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in various contexts, especially in news, film and music-related articles. While synonyms like "sadness" or "gloom" exist, "melancholy" carries a unique connotation of deep, contemplative sorrow. When using "melancholy", ensure it aligns with the context and avoid applying it to situations of mere mild disappointment. Considering its common usage across reputable sources, mastering "melancholy" can significantly enhance your expressive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sadness

Denotes a general state of unhappiness without necessarily implying deep contemplation or introspection.

gloom

Emphasizes a pervasive sense of darkness and negativity.

despondency

Suggests a loss of hope and motivation, often linked to a specific cause or event.

wistfulness

Implies a gentle longing for something lost or unattainable, often tinged with nostalgia.

sorrow

Signifies a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or misfortune.

dejection

Indicates a state of low spirits and discouragement, often temporary.

mournfulness

Relates specifically to grief and lamentation, usually associated with death or significant loss.

unhappiness

A broad term encompassing various negative emotions, not necessarily as intense as melancholy.

downheartedness

Describes a temporary state of feeling discouraged and lacking in enthusiasm.

pensive mood

Highlights the thoughtfulness and introspection often accompanying sadness, focusing on quiet reflection.

FAQs

How can I use "melancholy" in a sentence?

You can use "melancholy" to describe a feeling of pensive sadness, as in "A wave of melancholy washed over her as she remembered her childhood."

What are some synonyms for "melancholy"?

Alternatives include "sadness", "gloom", and "wistfulness", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to use "melancholy" to describe a place?

Yes, you can describe a place as "melancholy" if it evokes feelings of sadness or pensiveness, such as "The old house had a certain melancholy charm."

What is the difference between "melancholy" and depression?

"Melancholy" is a state of thoughtful sadness, while depression is a clinical mental health condition characterized by persistent low mood and other symptoms.