Gloomy: meaning, definitions and examples

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gloomy

[ˈɡluːmi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

weather

dark or poorly lit, especially so as to seem depressing or frightening

Synonyms

dark, dim, dismal, somber.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gloomy	Use 'gloomy' when describing a feeling of sadness or a depressing atmosphere. The cloudy, grey skies made the entire day feel gloomy She had a gloomy expression on her face after hearing the bad news
dark	Use 'dark' when referring to the absence of light or when describing something sinister or mysterious. The room was completely dark after the power went out The forest seemed dark and foreboding at night
dim	Use 'dim' when light is very low or not bright. It can also suggest a lack of clarity or strength. The dim lighting in the restaurant created a romantic atmosphere His memory of the event was dim and unclear
dismal	Use 'dismal' when describing something very bad or of poor quality. It can also refer to a depressing situation or atmosphere. The team's performance in the game was dismal After losing the job, he felt dismal about his future
somber	Use 'somber' when describing something serious, grave, or solemn. The funeral was a somber event Her voice was somber as she delivered the news

Examples of usage

The gloomy skies threatened rain all day.
The room was gloomy with only a small candle flickering in the corner.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

mood

feeling sad or depressed

Synonyms

depressed, melancholic, sad, somber.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gloomy	Use this when describing a place, weather, or situation that is dark, overcast, or creates a feeling of sadness or negativity. The sky was gloomy, filled with dark clouds. The abandoned house had a gloomy atmosphere.
sad	A general term for feeling unhappy. It can describe a mild to moderate emotional state and is the most neutral of the words listed. She felt sad after watching the tragic movie. He was sad to say goodbye to his friends.
depressed	Primarily used to describe a person's emotional state when they feel deeply sad and may even have clinical depression. It’s often more severe than just feeling sad. After losing his job, he felt deeply depressed. She has been diagnosed with clinical depression.
melancholic	Use this when describing a feeling or atmosphere that is gently sad or wistfully reflective. It often carries a poetic or nostalgic tone. The old photos gave him a melancholic feeling. The melancholic melody stirred memories of the past.
somber	Describe a mood, atmosphere, or appearance that is dark, serious, and solemn. It often carries a serious and respectful tone. The funeral had a somber atmosphere. Her voice was somber as she delivered the bad news.

Examples of usage

She was in a gloomy mood after receiving bad news.
He had a gloomy outlook on life.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

outlook

showing little prospect of success; unpromising

Synonyms

bleak, desolate, grim, hopeless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gloomy	Use when describing an atmosphere or mood that is dark and depressing, often with an emotional or weather-related context. The gloomy sky matched her somber mood. He felt gloomy after hearing the bad news.
bleak	Use when describing a situation or landscape that seems hopeless and without warmth or comfort. This word often implies a lack of positive prospects. The future looked bleak for the struggling company. The landscape was bleak, with no signs of life.
grim	Use when describing a situation, expression, or future that is very serious, gloomy, and possibly even somewhat frightening. The doctor's face was grim as he delivered the news. The forecast for the coming months looks grim.
hopeless	Use when describing a situation or feeling where there seems to be no hope or positive outcome. It often conveys a deeper sense of despair. He felt hopeless about finding a job in the current economy. The hopeless situation made everyone lose their spirits.
desolate	Use when describing a place that is empty and lonely, often with a sense of abandonment. It can also describe someone feeling extreme loneliness. The old farmhouse stood desolate and forgotten. After the breakup, she felt completely desolate.

Examples of usage

The business had a gloomy future due to lack of funding.
The economic forecast for the next year looks gloomy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'gloomy' comes from the Middle English 'gloumes', which means 'dismal' or 'dark'.
It has roots in the Old Norse term 'glúmr', meaning 'dark' or 'murky'.
The transition into modern usage began around the 16th century as the word described not just light but also mood.

Psychology

People often associate gloomy weather with increased feelings of sadness or lethargy, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Research shows that low light levels can decrease serotonin, a hormone that helps regulate mood.
The color gray, often associated with gloomy days, is frequently linked to feelings of neutrality or indecision, impacting emotional states.

Literature

Gloomy settings are often used in literature to build atmosphere, symbolizing the character's internal struggles.
Charles Dickens frequently described gloomy scenes to highlight the stark contrasts in his tales of misery and redemption.
Classic horror novels often feature gloomy landscapes to instill fear and suspense, drawing readers into the world of the unknown.

Pop Culture

The city of Gotham, from Batman comics, is often portrayed as a gloomy place, reflecting its dark themes.
Music genres like grunge and darkwave frequently use gloomy themes in their lyrics to explore feelings of despair and melancholy.
Films like 'The Crow' and 'Sin City' use gloomy visuals to enhance their storyline of tragedy and loss.

Art

Gloomy subjects have appeared in art to convey tragic or emotional experiences, as seen in many works of the Romantic movement.
Artists like Edvard Munch used gloomy colors and themes to express human anxiety and existential dread in famous paintings such as 'The Scream'.
The use of dark and muted tones in artwork evokes a sense of melancholy, guiding the viewer's emotional response.

Translations

Translations of the word "gloomy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sombrio

🇮🇳 उदास

🇩🇪 düster

🇮🇩 suram

🇺🇦 похмурий

🇵🇱 ponury

🇯🇵 陰気な

🇫🇷 sombre

🇪🇸 sombrío

🇹🇷 kasvetli

🇰🇷 어두운

🇸🇦 كئيب

🇨🇿 ponurý

🇸🇰 ponurý

🇨🇳 阴沉的

🇸🇮 mračen

🇮🇸 dapur

🇰🇿 көңілсіз

🇬🇪 მოღრუბლული

🇦🇿 qəmgin

🇲🇽 sombrío

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,682 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
8679 hinder
8680 darling
8681 pillow
8682 gloomy
8683 applause
8684 diminution
8685 dial
...