The word "melancholy" refers to a deep, lasting sadness or a state of sorrowful reflection. It often suggests a feeling of being pensive or contemplative, with an emotional weight that can linger over time. This sadness might not always be tied to a specific cause; sometimes it can simply be a feeling that comes and goes, often associated with a sense of longing or nostalgia.
The word "melancholy" comes from the Greek word "melankholía," which means "black bile." In ancient medical theory, it was believed that an excess of black bile caused a melancholic disposition. The term passed into Latin as "melancholia" before becoming adopted into Middle English.