melancholy

mel-an-chol-y · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A deep, persistent sadness or depression; a pensive mood.

  2. 2.

    (historical) In medieval medicine, a condition believed to be caused by an excess of black bile, characterized by depression and ill temper.

  3. 3.

    Expressing, causing, or characterized by sadness or depression.

  4. 4.

    Thoughtfully sad; pensive in a gentle way.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fit of melancholy — a period of deep sadness
  • •
    melancholy air — an atmosphere or appearance of sadness

Related words

Antonyms: cheerfulness, elation, happiness, joy
See also: depression, sadness, sorrow, wistful
Synonyms: dejection, gloom, sadness, sorrow, wistfulness

Etymology

From Greek melancholia, from melas ("black") + khole ("bile"). In ancient and medieval medicine, melancholy was believed to be caused by an excess of "black bile," one of the four bodily humors. The term entered English via Old French melancolie in the 14th century.