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adverbadverb

tristement

sadly

Definition & meaning

Tristement is an adverb meaning sadly or sorrowfully. It can describe an action performed with sadness, or express regret about a situation.

  • Il sourit tristement. — He smiled sadly.
  • Tristement, il est décédé trop jeune. — Sadly, he died too young.

It can also mean gloomily or drearily, when describing something lacking cheer.

Grammar & Word origin

Tristement is an invariable adverb. It is formed from the adjective triste (“sad”) and the adverb-forming suffix -ment, roughly equivalent to “-ly” in English.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • malheureusement — “unfortunately”; emphasizes misfortune or regret rather than a sad manner.
  • mélancoliquement — “melancholically”; suggests a more reflective or lingering sadness.

Antonyms:

  • joyeusement — “joyfully”; describes an action done with joy.
  • gaiement — “cheerfully”; emphasizes a lively, happy manner.

Common phrases & collocations

  • sourire tristement — to smile sadly
  • tristement célèbre — infamously known or notorious; known for something regrettable or shameful

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Examples

Je marche tristement dans la rue.adverb

I walk sadly in the street.

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