Sad Meaning: Definition, Synonyms, and Examples

Meaning 1：unhappy (Sad)

Sad 🔊

/sæd/

adj.

Feeling unhappy, often because something bad happened or you miss someone.

unhappy 🔊

➕

/ʌnˈhæpi/

adj.

Feeling or showing sorrow; not happy.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'sæd' meaning 'sated, weary', shifted to 'heavy, sorrowful'.

💡 Mnemonic

Remember: 'SAD' stands for 'Sorrow And Disappointment' – two feelings that often go together.

📖 Example

She felt very sad when she saw the little puppy standing alone in the rain. 🔊 She felt very sad when she saw the little puppy standing alone in the rain.

🔗 Collocations

feel sad – to experience sadness

sad news – news that causes unhappiness

sad ending – a conclusion that is sorrowful

🔄 Synonyms

unhappy (adj.) – Not happy; feeling or showing sadness.

sorrowful (adj.) – Feeling or showing sadness.

melancholy (adj.) – A deep, persistent sadness.

🚫 Antonyms

happy (adj.) – Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.

cheerful (adj.) – Noticeably happy and optimistic.

joyful (adj.) – Feeling, expressing, or causing great pleasure and happiness.

🌱 Derivatives

sadness (n.) – The state or quality of being sad.

sadly (adv.) – In a sad manner.

sadden (v.) – To cause to feel sadness.

📖 Cultural Story

Originally meant 'full, satisfied' in Old English, 'sad' later shifted through 'weary' to modern 'sorrowful' – a transition from physical to emotional heaviness.