What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
despair
Example
She was filled with despair when she lost her job. [despair: noun]
Example
He despaired of ever finding true love. [despaired: past tense verb]
melancholy
Example
The melancholy music made her feel even sadder. [melancholy: adjective]
Example
He wrote a poem about his melancholy after his best friend moved away. [melancholy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Melancholy is more commonly used than despair in everyday language. Melancholy is often used in literature and poetry, while despair is more commonly used in serious or dramatic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between despair and melancholy?
Despair is typically associated with a more formal tone, while melancholy can be used in both formal and informal contexts, including literature and poetry.
