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.
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.