melancholy look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "melancholy look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's expression that conveys sadness or deep thought. Example: "She had a melancholy look on her face as she gazed out the window, lost in memories of the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

He gives it a melancholy look.

The New Yorker

"Around his mouth was a determined yet melancholy look".

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Lemire's characters, even when they're happy, have a melancholy look to them.

The New York Times

One had a melancholy look, the other was fierce, scowling, a combatant.

The New York Times - Arts

A 10th-century temple carving of Kubera, god of wealth, has an uncharacteristically melancholy look.

The New York Times - Arts

It had a musty smell and a melancholy look of neglect.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Idk's Keanu figure, designed by Nancy Liang aka Neuralfirings and constructed with 3D printers, riffs on a paparazzi photograph of a melancholy looking Reeves sitting alone on a park bench with a paper-bag lunch beside him.

The Guardian - Film

However, the night before his initiation Narendra had a dream in which Ramakrishna looked at him with a melancholy face.

Wikipedia

A30 Gregory Peck The actor whose chiseled, slightly melancholy good looks, resonant baritone and quiet strength made him an unforgettable presence in Hollywood films, he was 87.

The New York Times

Gregory Peck, whose chiseled, slightly melancholy good looks, resonant baritone and quiet strength made him an unforgettable presence in films like "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Gentleman's Agreement" and "Twelve O'Clock High," died early yesterday at his home in Los Angeles.

The New York Times

In a painting by Boilly from 1798 called "Meeting of Artists in the Studio of Isabey," a hubbub of everybody who was anybody in Paris, all the artists talk or mill about except Girodet, who sits by himself, a melancholy loner, looking at the viewer as if he's just come out of a dream.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "melancholy look" to subtly convey sadness without being overly dramatic. It suggests a quiet, reflective sorrow.

Common error

Overusing "melancholy look" in dialogue can make characters sound unnatural. Show, don't tell; describe their actions or surroundings instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "melancholy look" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding emotional depth to narratives or character portrayals. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "melancholy look" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an expression conveying sadness or deep thought. According to Ludwig, it's frequently found in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it's best used in descriptive writing to subtly portray emotion, avoiding overuse in dialogue. Related phrases include "sad expression" and "sorrowful gaze", offering alternative ways to convey similar sentiments. When describing sadness or pensive moods, remember that it is correct to use "melancholy look", just consider more vivid vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sad expression

Focuses more directly on the emotion of sadness being displayed.

sorrowful gaze

Emphasizes the act of looking with a feeling of sorrow.

wistful appearance

Highlights a longing or reflective quality in the way someone appears.

pensive expression

Focuses on thoughtfulness and deep reflection, possibly with sadness.

depressed demeanor

Indicates an overall state of low spirits and sadness.

gloomy countenance

Refers to a dark or somber facial expression.

downcast eyes

Focuses on the physical aspect of looking downwards in sadness.

mournful air

Suggests an atmosphere or quality of mourning and sorrow surrounding someone.

somber face

Emphasizes the seriousness and gravity of the facial expression.

tragic aspect

Implies a deep sense of tragedy reflected in someone's appearance.

FAQs

What does "melancholy look" mean?

A "melancholy look" describes an expression that conveys sadness, pensiveness, or a reflective state, often suggesting a quiet or subdued sorrow.

How can I use "melancholy look" in a sentence?

You might say, "She had a "melancholy look" as she remembered her childhood" or "The old house had a "melancholy look" about it, hinting at forgotten stories."

What are some alternatives to "melancholy look"?

You can use alternatives like "sad expression", "sorrowful gaze", or "wistful appearance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "melancholy look" formal or informal?

"Melancholy look" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it's more common in descriptive writing than casual conversation.