melancholy
- A deep, persistent, and often pensive sadness or a feeling of sorrow that is more subdued and contemplative than acute grief. nounShe was filled with a sense of melancholy after hearing the sad news.The old painting evoked a mood of melancholy that lingered in the gallery.
- A state of mind characterized by a gentle, reflective sadness, often associated with introspection or nostalgia. adjectiveHe often felt a quiet melancholy when reminiscing about his childhood.The music's slow, haunting melody created an atmosphere of melancholy.