melancholy

The word "melancholy" originates from the Greek word "melankholia," which is a compound of "melas" (μέλας), meaning "black," and "kholē" (χολή), meaning "bile." In ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that human health and temperament were balanced by four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. An excess of black bile was thought to cause a state of sadness or depression, which is how the term "melancholy" came to be associated with these emotions. The concept entered Latin as "melancholia" and subsequently into Middle English as "melancolie" or "melancholy" via Old French. Its meaning has evolved over time, but it has retained its association with deep sadness or a pensive mood.