What does saturnine mean?
Saturnine means gloomy, dour, or morose, especially when describing someone whose expression or manner conveys heaviness, reserve, or melancholy. The word is chiefly literary and formal, so it often gives a more evocative impression than an everyday alternative such as "gloomy" or "sullen." A saturnine person may be taciturn or seem preoccupied, while a saturnine expression suggests sadness or severity. The adjective is often used in descriptions of countenances, features, temperaments, and moods: "a saturnine expression," "saturnine features," and "a saturnine disposition." It can carry a slightly dramatic or old-fashioned tone, but it may also add psychological depth when an ordinary description of mood would seem too plain. Saturnine is especially useful when the unhappiness or inwardness being described is prominent and sustained, rather than momentary or cheerful.
adjectiveGloomy, dour, or taciturn, especially in a manner suggesting deep thoughtfulness or melancholy.
- Gloomy, dour, or morose in temperament or manner.
"His saturnine expression discouraged casual conversation."
"A saturnine silence settled over the room."
"The minister's saturnine reply suggested that no compromise would be accepted."
Saturnine comes from Saturn, the Roman god traditionally associated with melancholy, so the word has carried a gloomy shadow for centuries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does saturnine come from?
Saturnine comes from Latin Saturninus, meaning "of Saturn" or "belonging to Saturn." It entered English in the early 17th century and initially referred to people born under the planet Saturn, who were traditionally believed to have a gloomy or melancholic temperament. Its modern sense developed from that association between Saturn and melancholy. Its wider etymological relatives include Saturnian, Saturnalia, and Saturday, the latter deriving from Latin dies Saturni, "day of Saturn."
Related word forms
How saturnine is actually used
This is a formal and literary word, often used to describe a person's expression, demeanor, or temperament. Its literary associations with melancholy and brooding can make it sound more evocative than the everyday word "gloomy."
Easily confused with saturnine
Sardonic describes mocking or sharply critical behavior, whereas saturnine describes a gloomy, dour, or melancholy disposition.