sadden

Everyday

1. To make someone feel sad. tree →
2. (old) To become sad. tree →

In the lessons

In news and formal talk «we are saddened to hear» is a polite way to say people are very sad, often after a death or disaster. In stories it shows feelings. Phrases: «deeply saddened», «saddened to hear», «it saddens me».

Examples

• We were saddened to hear that our teacher was leaving. tree →
• It saddens me when people drop litter. tree →
• The news of the fire saddened the whole town. tree →
• The school was deeply saddened by the loss of a pupil. tree →
• Her tears saddened her little brother. tree →
• The end of the film saddened everyone. tree →
• The days passed slowly to Muffette, in spite of her brave efforts to occupy herself and not to sadden other people by her complaints. tree →

Note

Regular verb: saddened (double «d»). Often passive: «be saddened by». Formal-ish; «make sad» is everyday.