Background for melancholy
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melancholy

/ˈmelənkəli/ /ˈmɛl.ənˌkɑl.i/

Meanings
noun
Black bile, formerly thought to be one of the four "cardinal humours" of animal bodies.

Examples :

"Ancient medical texts described the "melancholy" as a harmful bodily fluid, believed to cause sadness and illness. "
medicine body physiology substance

Related Words

Illustration introspective

introspective adjective

/ɪntɹoʊˈspɛktɪv/

Examining one's own perceptions and sensory experiences; contemplative or thoughtful about oneself.

"After a frustrating day at work, Sarah became introspective, analyzing her own reactions to the difficult clients. "

Illustration depression

depression noun

/dɪˈpɹɛʃən/ /dəˈpɹɛʃ(ə)n/

In psychotherapy and psychiatry, a state of mind producing serious, long-term lowering of enjoyment of life or inability to visualize a happy future.

"Sarah's depression made it hard to enjoy her usual school activities and look forward to the future. "

Illustration believed

believed verb

/bɪˈliːvd/ /biˈliːvd/

To accept as true, particularly without absolute certainty (i.e., as opposed to knowing)

"I believe there are faeries."

Illustration cardinal

cardinal noun

/ˈkɑː.dɪ.nəl/ /ˈkɑɹdnəl/

One of the officials appointed by the pope in the Roman Catholic Church, ranking only below the pope and the patriarchs, constituting the special college which elects the pope. (See Wikipedia article on Catholic cardinals.)

"The cardinal presided over the special mass at the Vatican. "

Illustration especially

especially adverb

/əˈspɛʃ(ə)li/

(manner) In a special manner; specially.

"My sister is very helpful, especially when it comes to organizing things. "

Illustration formerly

formerly adverb

/ˈfɔːməli/ /ˈfɔɹmɚli/

At some time in the past

"My formerly quiet neighborhood is now very busy with new construction. "

Illustration lingered

lingered verb

/ˈlɪŋɡəd/ /ˈlɪŋɡɚd/

To stay or remain in a place or situation, especially as if unwilling to depart or not easily able to do so; to loiter.

"After the bell rang, the students lingered in the hallway, chatting with their friends. "

Illustration thought

thought verb

/θɔːt/ /θɔt/

To ponder, to go over in one's head.

"Idly, the detective thought what his next move should be."

Illustration thoughtful

thoughtful adjective

/ˈθɔːtfəl/ /ˈθɔtfəl/

Demonstrating thought or careful consideration.

"Most thoughtful people eventually solve the puzzle."

Illustration disappointing

disappointing verb

/ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪŋ/ /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪn/

To sadden or displease (someone) by underperforming, or by not delivering something promised or hoped for.

"His lack of respect disappointed her."

Illustration described

described verb

/dɪˈskraɪbd/ /dəˈskraɪbd/

To represent in words.

"The feeling is difficult to describe, but not unpleasant."

Illustration affected

affected verb

/əˈfɛktɪd/

To influence or alter.

"The experience affected me deeply."