Gloominess Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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gloominess
[ˈɡluːmɪnəs ]
Definitions
feeling of sadness
Gloominess is the state of being dark, depressing, or gloomy. It refers to a feeling of sadness or melancholy that pervades the atmosphere. Gloominess can be characterized by a lack of light or cheerful brightness.
Synonyms
depression, melancholy, sadness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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gloominess |
Used to describe a temporary state of feeling down or feeling that vibes or atmosphere are dark and troubling. It can refer to both emotional states and physical environments.
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melancholy |
Describes a deep, reflective sadness, often tied to a specific memory or thought. It is usually more poetic or literary.
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sadness |
A general term for the feeling of being unhappy or sorrowful. It can be short-term or long-term and is less intense compared to depression.
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depression |
Refers to a more serious, often clinically diagnosed mental health condition that involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities.
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Examples of usage
- The gloominess of the weather matched my mood.
- Her face was clouded with gloominess.
- The gloominess of the room made it hard to find joy.
lack of hope
Gloominess can also refer to a lack of hope or optimism. It is the feeling of being stuck in a situation with no foreseeable positive outcome. Gloominess in this context can lead to despair and a sense of helplessness.
Synonyms
despair, hopelessness, pessimism.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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gloominess |
Gloominess is typically used to describe a general sense of sadness or dullness in an environment or mood. It can apply to both physical settings (like weather) and emotional states.
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despair |
Despair is a deep, extreme lack of hope and is used in situations where someone feels that there is no way out of a difficult situation. It often suggests severe emotional pain.
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hopelessness |
Hopelessness refers to the feeling that there's no possibility for improvement or a positive outcome. It is often used in contexts where someone is overwhelmed by the absence of possibilities or solutions.
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pessimism |
Pessimism is a general tendency to expect the worst or believe that bad things are more likely to happen. It usually describes an outlook or attitude rather than a temporary state.
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Examples of usage
- The gloominess of the economic forecast dampened spirits.
- His gloominess about the future was palpable.
- The political climate was marked by a sense of gloominess.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Gloominess can be linked to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), where people feel more depressed in winter due to lack of sunlight.
- The color gray is often associated with feelings of gloom, as it can evoke a sense of neutrality or lack of vibrancy.
- Expressing feelings of gloominess through art or writing can be therapeutic, allowing individuals to process their emotions.
Literature
- Gloominess often serves as a backdrop in literature, symbolizing despair or foreboding, such as in Gothic novels.
- Famous works like Edgar Allan Poe's stories utilize a gloomy atmosphere to enhance themes of hopelessness and dread.
- The motif of gloom can also reflect the inner emotional state of characters, mirroring their struggles and conflicts.
Pop Culture
- Gloomy characters are prevalent in movies and songs, often representing the 'misunderstood hero' trope, like Batman.
- Comics and cartoons often use gloomy weather settings to signify trouble or hardship for the main character.
- Songs like 'Gloomy Sunday' have become iconic by expressing deep feelings of melancholy through music.
Origin of 'gloominess'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'glome', meaning 'twilight' or 'shade', which reflects the idea of darkness.
- Ancient Scandinavian languages also contributed, where 'glomr' described darkness or gloom.
- The transition of the word from meaning 'dark' to 'sad' occurred over centuries, blending physical and emotional associations.
The word 'gloominess' originated from the Middle English term 'glomie', which means 'dark, cloudy'. It has been used since the 16th century to describe a state of darkness, depression, or lack of hope. Over the years, 'gloominess' has come to symbolize a feeling of sadness or melancholy that pervades a situation or atmosphere.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #36,888, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
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- 36885 plagiarist
- 36886 impertinently
- 36887 weldable
- 36888 gloominess
- 36889 biannually
- 36890 episodically
- 36891 dotty
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