What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
melancholiness
Example
After the breakup, she was overcome with melancholiness. [melancholiness: noun]
Example
He spoke with a tone of melancholiness about his childhood memories. [melancholiness: noun]
depression
Example
She was diagnosed with depression and started taking medication. [depression: noun]
Example
He has been struggling with depression for years and needs professional help. [depression: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Depression is a more common term than melancholiness in everyday language, especially when referring to the clinical condition. However, melancholiness may be used in literature or poetry to describe a more subtle form of sadness or emotional distress.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between melancholiness and depression?
Depression is a more formal and clinical term than melancholiness, which may have a more literary or poetic connotation. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and audience.
