sadness

UK: ˈsædnəs | US: ˈsædnəs

Definition

  1. n. the state or quality of being sad; sorrow or unhappiness

Structure
sad <sorrowful>ness <noun suffix indicating state or quality>
Etymology

The word "sadness" originates from the Old English term "sæd," meaning "sated, weary, or heavy-hearted," which evolved to mean "sorrowful" in Middle English. The suffix "-ness," of Germanic origin, was added to form a noun denoting the state or quality of being sad. Over time, "sadness" crystallized as the standard term for emotional sorrow, reflecting a straightforward morphological combination of root and suffix.

Examples

  1. Her face showed deep sadness after hearing the news.

  2. The movie captures the sadness of losing a loved one.

  3. He tried to hide his sadness with a smile.

  4. The painting evokes a sense of loneliness and sadness.

  5. Time may lessen sadness, but some wounds never fully heal.