melancholic

[mel-uhn-kol-ik]

adjective

1. disposed to or affected with melancholy; gloomy.

2. of, relating to, or affected with melancholia.

Other Word Forms

• melancholically adverb
• unmelancholic adjective
• unmelancholically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of melancholic¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English melancolik, from Latin melancholicus, from Greek melancholikós; melancholy, -ic

Example Sentences

"The fire seemed to come out of nowhere," the 45-year-old tells the BBC in a melancholic voice, raspy from years of smoking cigarettes.

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At its core, the project captures the depths of love and heartache across 15 melancholic tracks, carried by the Mexican singer’s crisp and bold vocals.

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“My father and I are melancholic,” Jonathan said.

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Written and directed by playwright turned filmmaker Celine Song, “Materialists” is the follow-up to the wistfully melancholic “Past Lives,” her 2023 feature debut that was nominated for best picture and original screenplay Oscars.

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Sounds sad, but the show blends high and low comedy with weighty themes and melancholic moments.

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Related Words

• gloomy 
• lugubrious 
• melancholy 
• wistful