Definition of Melancholic
Quick Meaning of Melancholic
Feeling deeply sad and thoughtful, often in a quiet, reflective, and mournful way.
Detailed Definition of Melancholic
Thoughtfully sad; habitually sad or gloomy
How to Pronounce Melancholic
Stress pattern: ooOo (4-syllable word).
Tip: See IPA: /ˌmeləŋˈkɒlɪk/
Watch out: See pronunciation tip.
Origin and Etymology of Melancholic
From Greek 'melankholikos' from 'melas' (black) + 'khole' (bile). Medieval humoral theory: black bile = gloomy, sad, introspective temperament.
How to Use Melancholic in a Sentence
Each example shows “melancholic” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The melancholic tone of the music reflected his mood.”
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“Her melancholic observations about life demonstrated deep thought.”
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“The melancholic autumn weather matched his disposition.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Melancholic
Common Synonyms for Melancholic
Smart Synonyms for Melancholic — When to Use Each
- sad
- Deep reflective sadness quite
- gloomy
- Habitually sad or gloomy
- sorrowful
- Contemplative and sorrowful mood
Antonyms of Melancholic
Common Collocations with Melancholic
These phrases pair with “melancholic” in everyday English:
- melancholic tone
- melancholic observations
- melancholic atmosphere
- melancholic mood
Common Mistakes When Using Melancholic
Even fluent speakers slip up with “melancholic”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: Incorrect use of melancholic.
- ✓ Correct: Correct use of melancholic.
- Why: See usage tip for correct usage context.
- ✗ Wrong: Another incorrect use of melancholic.
- ✓ Correct: Another correct use of melancholic.
- Why: See collocations for typical uses.
- ✗ Wrong: Third incorrect use of melancholic.
- ✓ Correct: Third correct use of melancholic.
- Why: Review the main meaning and usage tip.
Other Forms of Melancholic
- Adjective: melancholic
Frequently Asked Questions About Melancholic
What is the meaning of "Melancholic"?
Feeling deeply sad and thoughtful, often in a quiet, reflective, and mournful way.
How do you pronounce "Melancholic"?
The IPA is /ˌmeləŋˈkɒlɪk/. See IPA: /ˌmeləŋˈkɒlɪk/
What part of speech is "Melancholic"?
"Melancholic" is an adjective at C2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Melancholic"?
Common synonyms include sad, gloomy, sorrowful.
How do you use "Melancholic" in a sentence?
For example: "The melancholic tone of the music reflected his mood."