Definition

Describing someone who is often in a bad mood or feels sad and gloomy.

Example

His atrabilious nature made it difficult for him to enjoy social gatherings.

Conversation

I noticed you've been a bit atrabilious lately, is everything okay?

Yeah, I've just been feeling down for no reason.

I get that; sometimes life can feel a bit overwhelming and atrabilious too.

Exactly! I just need to talk it out and I'll feel better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Atrabilious is derived from the Latin "atra" (meaning black) and "bilis" (meaning bile). The term originally referred to a person who was melancholic or irritable, as it was believed that an excess of black bile caused such temperaments.

Memory Tip

Think of 'black' ('atra') and 'bile' ('bilis') to remember that 'atrabilious' describes someone with a gloomy or irritable disposition.

Visually Confused Words