expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
sorrowful; melancholic; tinged with sadness
Describes a person, scene, atmosphere, or expression that exudes a gentle, poetic sadness. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
His sorrowful profile left a strong impression.
A melancholic melody drifted through the town at dusk.
漂う alone means 'to drift' or 'to float'; in this phrase it metaphorically describes an atmosphere or feeling that hangs in the air.
Compound of 哀愁 (pathos, sorrow) and 漂う (to drift, to float in the air). The phrase literally means 'sorrow drifts' and is used to describe something that exudes a melancholic atmosphere.