melancholy
/ˈmelənkəli/noun
A deep, quiet sadness, often one that comes with a lot of thinking or reflection.
Example sentences
- “A wave of melancholy came over him as he looked at the old photographs.”
- “There is a quiet melancholy in her songs about growing up.”
Works as an adjective too: a melancholy tune. Softer and more literary than 'depression'.