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Maudlin - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Maudlin means overly sentimental or tearfully emotional, often in a self-pitying or exaggerated way. It describes someone who is excessively weepy or nostalgic, sometimes to the point of being tiresome.

maudlin

/ˈmɔd.lɪn/ /ˈmɔːd.lɪn/

Definition:

Excessively sentimental, often in a self-pitying or tearful way.

Synonyms:

Sentimental, mawkish, weepy, emotional

Part of Speech:

Adjective

Antonyms:

Stoic, unemotional

Common Collocations:

Maudlin sentimentality, maudlin tears, maudlin drunk

Derivatives:

Maudlinly, maudlinness

Usage Tips:

Avoid overusing "maudlin" to describe genuine sadness; it implies excessive or insincere emotion.

Common Phrases:

Maudlin drunk, maudlin nostalgia, maudlin display

Etymology:

Derived from Mary Magdalene's depiction as a weeping penitent in medieval art and literature.

Examples:

  • 1. She became maudlin after watching the sad movie alone at night.
  • 2. His maudlin speech about lost love made everyone uncomfortable.
  • 3. Avoid turning a heartfelt story into something maudlin with too much drama.
  • 4. The song’s lyrics were sweet but bordered on maudlin sentimentality.

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