melancholy
UK: ˈmelənkəli | US: ˈmelənkɑːli
n. a deep, persistent sadness or gloom
adj. characterized by or causing sadness; pensive
melancholy = melan<black> + chol<bile> + y<noun suffix>
- melan (from Greek melas, "black")
- chol (from Greek kholē, "bile")
- y (noun-forming suffix indicating a state or condition)
Etymology Origin:
The word "melancholy" originates from the ancient Greek concept of the four humors, where an excess of black bile (melaina kholē) was believed to cause sadness or depression. The term evolved through Latin (melancholia) and Old French (melancolie), retaining its core association with dark, lingering sorrow. The morphemes reflect this medical and philosophical history, combining "black" and "bile" to metaphorically describe emotional heaviness.
The rainy weather cast a melancholy mood over the city.
She listened to melancholy music while reminiscing about the past.
His melancholy expression revealed his inner grief.
The old letters brought a melancholy smile to her face.
The novel’s protagonist is haunted by a deep melancholy.