Saturnine

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈsætənaɪn/

Definitions

1. Gloomy, sullen, and slow to react, often appearing cold and melancholic in temperament
2. Dark and melancholic in mood, characterized by a gloomy disposition and brooding temperament that suggests emotional coldness and sadness
3. Sullen and somber in nature, marked by a heavy, withdrawn demeanor and tendency toward pessimism or dejection

Etymology: Medieval astrologers held that people born under the planet Saturn were heavy, cold and melancholy, and that heavy, leaden temperament is what this word originally named. The Latin "Sāturnīnus" was formed from "Sāturnus", the name of the Roman god and his planet, plus the suffix "-īnus" meaning "of or pertaining to", so the word began as nothing more than "of Saturn." Its earliest English use was in the Middle English period, when it could also describe a line on the palm of the hand associated with Saturn. The gloomy sense came later, through the old belief that Saturn's influence produced a cold, bitter, brooding character. Over time, the astrological link faded and the disposition alone remained, so that the word now describes someone sluggish and sombre in mood or manner. Its French cousin "saturnin", meaning "containing lead", shows the same Saturn-to-lead association, since the alchemists linked the planet with the metal.

Synonyms: gloomy, sullen, melancholic, morose, dour

Antonyms: cheerful, joyful, bright, happy, lighthearted