Definition

The state of being sad or gloomy, often with a feeling of deep sadness or depression.

Example

His atrabiliousness made it difficult for him to enjoy the party.

Conversation

I’ve been feeling a bit down lately, almost like I'm trapped in a state of atrabiliousness.

I get that; sometimes it just feels heavy, doesn’t it?

Yeah, it's like nothing can lift my mood right now.

Have you tried talking to someone about it? That might help.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Atrabiliousness is formed from "atra-" (from Latin "ater", meaning black or dark) and "bilis" (from Latin "bilis", meaning bile). The suffix "-ness" indicates a state or quality. The word describes a state of being melancholic or gloomy, originally associated with the black bile in ancient medical theory, which was thought to cause such dispositions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'darkness' ('atra-') and 'bile' ('bilis') to remember that 'atrabiliousness' refers to a state of being gloomy or melancholic.

Visually Confused Words