sadden

sadden — verb

1. to cause a person to feel unhappiness or sorrow, typically after learning about

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to cause a person to feel unhappiness or sorrow, typically after learning about something disappointing or unfortunate.

例句

Eli was saddened by the news of his grandmother's death.

passive: be saddened + by [news/event]

It saddened Hyun to learn that the local library would close.

It + saddened + [person] + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • upset

    broader; includes worry, anger, or disappointment, not just sadness

  • depress

    stronger; suggests a lasting feeling of hopelessness or low mood

  • distress

    implies anxiety, worry, or pain alongside the sadness

  • grieve

    more intense; specifically about a loss or death of someone or something

反義詞
  • cheer

    to make someone feel happier or more hopeful

  • delight

    to give someone great pleasure or joy

文法句型

be saddened + by [event/news]

It saddens + [person] + to-infinitive

be saddened + that-clause

用法筆記

Commonly used in the passive voice (be saddened by / to hear / that). The subject that causes the feeling is usually an event, piece of news, or situation rather than a person. Unlike upset or distress, sadden suggests a quiet, reflective sadness rather than strong emotional agitation.

常見錯誤

❌I saddened when I heard the news.
✅I was saddened when I heard the news.
💡'sadden' is transitive; the intransitive use meaning 'become sad' is non-standard.
❌The news saddened me very sad.
✅The news saddened me.
💡'sadden' already means 'make sad'; do not add a second adjective describing the emotional result.