What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
melancholic
Example
She has been feeling melancholic since her dog passed away. [melancholic: adjective]
Example
He is a melancholic person who often keeps to himself. [melancholic: noun]
Example
The movie's melancholic soundtrack perfectly captured the mood of the scene. [melancholic: adjective]
gloomy
Example
The weather has been gloomy all week, with no sign of sunshine. [gloomy: adjective]
Example
The abandoned house had a gloomy atmosphere that made me feel uneasy. [gloomy: adjective]
Example
She had a gloomy outlook on life and always expected the worst. [gloomy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gloomy is more commonly used in everyday language than melancholic. Gloomy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while melancholic is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between melancholic and gloomy?
Melancholic is generally considered more formal and literary than gloomy, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
