maudlin — self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmɔːdlɪn/
Example Sentences
- Don't get maudlin on me - it's just a romantic comedy movie!
- His maudlin speech about 'the good old days' made everyone uncomfortable at the reunion.
- She avoided her maudlin uncle at family gatherings because he always cried about his childhood.
maudlin
ADJECTIVE[/ˈmɔːdlɪn/]
self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness

After three glasses of wine, he turned maudlin about his childhood dog.

Maudlin and dawdlin', always coddlin' his sorrows
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English Magdalene, referring to Mary Magdalene, who was often depicted in medieval art as weeping. The association between her tearful repentance and excessive sentimentality led to the modern meaning, influenced by the French pronunciation 'maudeline.'
Breakdown
Maudlin derives from the name Magdalene (Mary Magdalene) + -in (adjectival suffix) = maudlin (excessively sentimental or tearful)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Don't get maudlin on me - it's just a romantic comedy movie!”
“His maudlin speech about 'the good old days' made everyone uncomfortable at the reunion.”
“She avoided her maudlin uncle at family gatherings because he always cried about his childhood.”
“The movie was so maudlin that even the popcorn seemed to be crying.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.