Is sad a formal word?

No. It is a common everyday word in speech and writing.

What is the difference between sad and upset?

Sad means unhappy. Upset can mean sad, worried, or angry.

Can I use sad for things, not people?

Yes. You can say a sad story, sad news, or a sad ending.

Is sad strong or mild?

It is usually mild to medium. For stronger feelings, people may say devastated or heartbroken.

← Dictionary

sad

/sæd/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Feeling unhappy, upset, or not cheerful. It can also describe something that makes you feel this way.

She felt sad after the goodbye.
That was a sad story.

Adinary Nuance

Sad is the basic, everyday word for feeling unhappy. It is more direct and common than 'sorrowful' or 'melancholy,' which sound more formal or literary. Use 'sad' in speech, messages, and most writing when you want a simple, clear word.

In other languages

Vietnamese: buồn
Spanish: triste
Chinese: 伤心的
Japanese: 悲しい
Korean: 슬픈

Etymology

Old English sadde meant 'sated' or 'full,' then later changed to mean 'heavy' or 'serious.' By Middle English, it had the modern sense of feeling unhappy.

Common phrases

sad newssad facesad songfeeling sad

Synonyms

unhappy sorrowful down blue

Related words

depressed upset gloomy tearful

Frequently asked questions

Is sad a formal word?: No. It is a common everyday word in speech and writing.
What is the difference between sad and upset?: Sad means unhappy. Upset can mean sad, worried, or angry.
Can I use sad for things, not people?: Yes. You can say a sad story, sad news, or a sad ending.
Is sad strong or mild?: It is usually mild to medium. For stronger feelings, people may say devastated or heartbroken.