
Melancholy
Emotional State
Use 'melancholy' to describe someone's sad emotional state, not just a temporary bad mood.

After the news of his mentor’s passing, John’s demeanor turned unmistakably melancholy.
Subtle Expression
'Melancholy' often implies a quiet, reflective type of sadness as opposed to loud or dramatic.

Her eyes had a melancholy gaze as she watched the sunset.
Cultural Reference
In literature, 'melancholy' can be associated with romanticism, where sadness has a poetic quality.

The poet’s melancholy verses tugged at the heartstrings of his audience.
Compare with
BleakDesolateDismalGloomyMelancholicMournfulPensiveSombreSorrowfulWistful
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