melancholia

Definition

A deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness or depression.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'melas' (black) and 'khole' (bile), reflecting the ancient medical belief that an excess of black bile in the body caused deep sadness.

In the news

The author uses this term to describe the lingering sense of sadness associated with the site's history as an asylum. She notes that this feeling is replaced by the joy of discovery found in the local shop.

I visited an old Birmingham asylum to rummage for incredible bargains - the finds blew my mind

Yahoo News UK

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