What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elegiac
Example
The elegiac poem was a tribute to the poet's late father. [elegiac: adjective]
Example
The music had an elegiac quality that brought tears to her eyes. [elegiac: adjective]
melancholy
Example
She felt a deep sense of melancholy after the breakup. [melancholy: noun]
Example
The painting had a melancholy tone that captured the essence of the artist's loneliness. [melancholy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Melancholy is more commonly used than elegiac in everyday language. Melancholy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while elegiac is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elegiac and melancholy?
Elegiac has a more formal and literary connotation, making it suitable for use in formal contexts such as academic writing or literary analysis. Melancholy can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile word.
