melancholy
Medium difficulty
What does “melancholy” mean?
a feeling of pensive sadness.
SAT Usage
the term is often found in passages that explore themes of loss, nostalgia, or deep reflection. It emphasizes a profound, contemplative sadness that can suggest emotional depth, setting it apart from simpler terms like "sad," which lacks the same introspective quality.
Common Confusions
Melancholy implies a deep, reflective sadness often tied to introspection, while sorrow usually suggests a more immediate and overt feeling of distress.
Do not choose melancholy if the context emphasizes joy or happiness rather than a feeling of pensive sadness.
Example Sentences
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A melancholy mood settled over the students after the program was canceled.