Definition and meaning of English word "sad"
sad
/sæd/
Meaning
AdjectiveEmotionally negative. Feeling sorrow; sorrowful, mournful.
How to use
The adjective 'sad' is commonly used in informal contexts to describe a range of negative emotions, from mild disappointment to intense sorrow. A learner should note that 'sad' often collocates with prepositions like 'about' or 'that', as in 'I'm sad about the news' or 'She was sad that he left'. One common mistake is to use 'sad' with 'to' instead of 'about' or 'that', which can sound unnatural to native speakers.
🇬🇧 English
sad
Example
I am sad
She looks sad
Your personal vocabulary
🦊 Use this word in a live AI conversationSynonyms
Common phrases
- feel sad— feel sad
- look sad— look sad
- get sad— get sad
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #434 in English
Learn them all! 🚀
Master the 1000 most common English words with smart explanations, audio pronunciation, and spaced repetition.
Start Learning For Free →No sign-up required
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "sad" mean?▼
The English word "sad" means "sad" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "sad"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "sad" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "sad"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Describes emotions" (which translates as "sad").
More Adjectives words
Related reading
Duolingo vs Anki vs Apps: Comparing Language Learning Methods in 2026
An honest comparison of popular language learning approaches: gamified apps, SRS flashcards, textbooks, tutors, and immersion. Pros, cons, and who each is best for.
Read →MethodWhat Is Spaced Repetition? The SM-2 Algorithm Explained Simply
Spaced repetition is the single most effective method for memorizing vocabulary. Learn how the forgetting curve works, how the SM-2 algorithm calculates review intervals, and why 20 minutes a day beats 2 hours of cramming.
Read →