Definition

Having a gloomy or sullen temperament; often associated with bitterness or melancholy.

Example

His saturnine demeanor made it hard for others to approach him.

Conversation

Have you noticed how saturnine he seems lately?

Yeah, he hasn't been his usual cheerful self.

I wonder what's bothering him; he always had a saturnine demeanor during tough times.

Maybe we should check in on him and see if he wants to talk.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Saturnine is derived from "Saturnus" (the Roman god of agriculture and time, often associated with melancholy) and the suffix "-ine" (meaning pertaining to or of the nature of). The word describes a temperament that is gloomy or sullen, reflecting the characteristics attributed to the god Saturn.

Memory Tip

Think of the Roman god Saturn, who is often linked to feelings of gloom and melancholy, to remember that 'saturnine' describes a gloomy or sullen disposition.

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