sadness - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
sadness Word Meanings
- a feeling of sorrow or unhappiness
- the emotion of being sad or down
- grief or sorrow caused by loss or disappointment
sadness Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
sadness Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsædnəs/
US
/ˈsædnəs/
sadness Word Etymology
Root decomposition: the noun sadness is formed from the adjective sad plus the suffix -ness. Historical origin: from Old English sadnes(s), via the Germanic language line to modern English. Memory image: picture a gray cloud above your chest, with a label sadness attached to the heart.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Sadness is a noun for a felt state of sorrow or unhappiness. It can describe personal moods as well as reactions to loss, disappointment, or bad news. It differs from the adjective sad and from more intense words like grief or sorrow by its general, everyday use and its flexibility with intensifiers: deep sadness, profound sadness, or a sense of sadness. In everyday English, sadness can refer to temporary moods or longer periods. It appears in phrases such as the sadness of parting, or she spoke with sadness in her voice. Common collocations include overcome with sadness, sadness lingers, and a note of sadness in her tone.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: 1) sadness is a state, not a mood; 2) pair with deep or overwhelming; 3) contrast with happiness or joy; 4) use in formal or literary contexts; 5) avoid assuming depression; 6) watch collocations with voice, tone, and linger.
Common Misconceptions
- Sadness equals depression or a clinical condition.
- Sadness is always short and temporary.
- Sadness cannot be felt for a long time after a loss.
- You should never describe something as sad in a humorous context.
- Sadness is strongly tied to external events and cannot be felt internally.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, sadness often maps to a general emotional state and can be extended with adjectives like deep or profound. Learners often confuse it with depression or treat it as a fleeting mood, so practice with context cues and collocations.
Learning Tips
- Learn core collocations: deep sadness, profound sadness, sadness in the voice.
- Differentiate sadness from depression and from sorrow.
- Use with verbs feel, express, reveal, linger.
- Practice in contexts of loss, parting, and disappointment.
- Watch intonation: sadness often softens at the end of a sentence.
- Pair with adjectives of intensity to convey nuance.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'sadness'?
A.Joy
B.Happiness
C.Sorrow
D.Excitement
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'sadness' correctly?
A.The news brought great sorrow
B.Her face showed excitement
C.They couldn't hide their joy
D.I feel happiness today
Step 3: Similar Words
Choose the synonym of 'sadness':
A.Sorrow
B.Glee
C.Joy
D.Bliss
Step 4: Opposite Words
How does 'sadness' apply in real-world situations?
A.Attending a funeral
B.Celebrating a birthday
C.Winning a competition
D.Going on a vacation
Step 5: Mastery
Reflect on a moment when you experienced 'sadness'.
A.My happiest memory
B.A time I was extremely nervous
C.A moment of great sorrow
D.A recent exciting event
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