French Conversation · Level 115
59 words
French word
mélancolique
Pronunciation
IPA/melɑ̃kolik/
Meaning
- adjectivedepressed
Example
Il est mélancolique depuis hier.
He has been depressed since yesterday.
More examples
L'atmosphère du film était mélancolique.
The atmosphere of the film was melancholic.
Core concept
A quiet, lasting sadness that colors a person's mood.
Common phrases
ambiance mélancolique
melancholic atmosphere
ton mélancolique
melancholic tone
Similar words
triste: Feeling or showing sadness.
déprimé: Marked by low energy and a prolonged, deep sense of discouragement.
nostalgique: Longing for the past or for things once experienced.
morne: Dark, heavy, and lacking energy or liveliness.
Definition in French
Se dit d'une tristesse douce, calme et durable.
Word origin
French mélancolique comes from Latin melancholicus, from Greek melankholia, a term built from melas, 'black,' and kholē, 'bile.'
Usage tips
- Mélancolique is more literary or reflective than everyday triste, while avoir le cafard is an informal way to express feeling low.
Other meanings
- sadadjective
- wistfuladjective
- gloomyadjective
Opposites
- optimisteoptimisticadjective
Related words
- mélancoliemelancholynoun
- mélancoliquementmelancholicallyadverb