Definition

Adjective 1. Having a face that shows a sad expression: Describes a person, animal, or character whose facial features convey unhappiness, sorrow, or a melancholy mood.

Usage

The adjective "sad-faced" is used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like 'was' or 'looked') to describe the appearance of the subject's face. * It directly modifies the appearance of the face itself, not the internal emotion, though it strongly implies it. * It is often used for descriptive or literary effect.

Examples

• The sad-faced child stood alone by the swings. (Attributive use)
• The old dog looked sad-faced as it watched its owners pack the car. (Predicative use)
• In the painting, a sad-faced angel looks down from the clouds.
• She was a sad-faced woman, her eyes always seeming to hold a distant sorrow.

Advanced Usage

• Compound Adjective Nuance: "Sad-faced" functions as a single, compound adjective. This construction is common in English for creating vivid, specific descriptions (e.g., , ). It efficiently combines the emotion ("sad") with its physical manifestation ("faced").

Variants and Related Words

• Sadly (adverb): In a sad manner.
  • He smiled sadly at the memory.
• Sadness (noun): The state or quality of being sad.
  • Her eyes were full of sadness.
• Long-faced (adjective): Having a face that expresses sadness or disappointment. (A close synonym in some contexts).
  • He was long-faced after hearing the bad news.
• Downcast (adjective): (Of eyes) looking downward, typically as a sign of sadness.
  • She sat with downcast eyes.

Synonyms

• Mournful-looking
• Sorrowful-looking
• Melancholy
• Woebegone (literary, implies looking miserable or forsaken)

Antonyms

• Happy-faced
• Smiling
• Beaming
• Joyful-looking

Adjective

1. having a face with a sad expression
   • the sad-faced clown