Saturnine/ˈsætərnaɪn/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Mood Indicator Use 'saturnine' to describe someone who often seems unhappy or doesn't smile much. Despite the celebration, his saturnine demeanor remained unchanged. Pro Tip 2/3Facial Expressions 'Saturnine' can describe someone's face, suggesting they look sad or troubled. A saturnine expression seemed permanently etched on the old man's face. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Negative Sometimes 'saturnine' can imply depth or thoughtfulness rather than just sadness. Her saturnine gaze gave the impression of a contemplative soul.