What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
depressed
Example
She has been feeling depressed since her dog passed away. [depressed: adjective]
Example
He was diagnosed with clinical depression and is receiving treatment. [depression: noun]
melancholy
Example
The melancholy tone of the song always makes me feel nostalgic. [melancholy: noun]
Example
She felt melancholy as she watched the sunset over the ocean. [melancholy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Depressed is more commonly used than melancholy in everyday language, especially in the context of mental health. Melancholy is less common and often used in artistic or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between depressed and melancholy?
Both depressed and melancholy are associated with a formal or serious tone, but depressed is more commonly used in clinical or medical contexts, while melancholy is more often used in artistic or literary contexts.
