Sorrow sadness

Melancholy

Also known as sombre

Strength 2 of 4

A soft, lingering sadness, reflective and sometimes almost tender, that music, memory or a grey afternoon can stir as readily as any loss.

In the body

  • A slow, unhurried pace
  • Long exhales
  • A gaze drifting into the distance

Needs behind it

When these needs are met

Beauty

When these needs aren’t met

MeaningConnection

Softer and stronger

  1. Down
  2. Pensive
  3. Gloomy
  4. Heavy-hearted
  5. Melancholy
  6. Sad
  7. Tearful
  8. Depressed
  9. Miserable
  10. Sorrowful

Often confused with

Pensive

Pensive is quiet thinking with only a faint shade of sadness; melancholy is sadness itself, soft and lingering, colouring the thoughts.

Wistful

Wistful is a light, passing ache for something that might have been; melancholy is a deeper, lingering sadness that settles in.