saddening
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈsæd.ən.ɪŋ/
KK: /ˈsæd.ən.ɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing feelings of sadness or sorrow.
Example
The news of the accident was very saddening for everyone involved.
Conversation
Did you hear about the old tree that got cut down in the park?
Yeah, I saw that. It's really saddening to see such a big part of the community go.
I know, right? It feels like we're losing a piece of nature.
Exactly! I hope they plant a new one soon to replace it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
depressing
disheartening
dismal
Antonyms
cheerful
uplifting
joyful
verb
Definition
To make someone feel sad or unhappy.
Example
The news of the accident was saddening to everyone who heard it.
Tense Forms
Past: saddened
Past Participle: saddened
Conversation
Did you hear about the news?
Yeah, it’s really saddening to think about.
I know, I can't believe something like that happened.
Root Explanation
Saddening → It is formed from "sad" (from Old English *sæd*, meaning filled with sorrow) and "-ening" (a suffix indicating the process of becoming). The word "saddening" means the process of becoming filled with sorrow or causing sadness.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'sad' which means feeling sorrowful, and the '-ening' part shows that it is the process of becoming sad. This helps you remember that 'saddening' refers to something that causes sadness.
Visually Confused Words
maddening
maddeningly
bemaddening