Gloomy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
gloomy
[หษกluหmi ]
Definitions
weather
dark or poorly lit, especially so as to seem depressing or frightening
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gloomy |
Use 'gloomy' when describing a feeling of sadness or a depressing atmosphere.
|
| dark |
Use 'dark' when referring to the absence of light or when describing something sinister or mysterious.
|
| dim |
Use 'dim' when light is very low or not bright. It can also suggest a lack of clarity or strength.
|
| dismal |
Use 'dismal' when describing something very bad or of poor quality. It can also refer to a depressing situation or atmosphere.
|
| somber |
Use 'somber' when describing something serious, grave, or solemn.
|
Examples of usage
- The gloomy skies threatened rain all day.
- The room was gloomy with only a small candle flickering in the corner.
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.
|
| 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.
|
| depressed |
Primarily used to describe a person's emotional state when they feel deeply sad and may even have clinical depression. Itโs often more severe than just feeling sad.
|
| melancholic |
Use this when describing a feeling or atmosphere that is gently sad or wistfully reflective. It often carries a poetic or nostalgic tone.
|
| somber |
Describe a mood, atmosphere, or appearance that is dark, serious, and solemn. It often carries a serious and respectful tone.
|
Examples of usage
- She was in a gloomy mood after receiving bad news.
- He had a gloomy outlook on life.
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.
|
| 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.
|
| grim |
Use when describing a situation, expression, or future that is very serious, gloomy, and possibly even somewhat frightening.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
Examples of usage
- The business had a gloomy future due to lack of funding.
- The economic forecast for the next year looks gloomy.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'gloomy'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'gloomy' comes from the Middle English 'gloumes', which means 'dismal' or 'dark'.
- It has roots in the Old Norse term 'glรบmr', meaning 'dark' or 'murky'.
- The transition into modern usage began around the 16th century as the word described not just light but also mood.
The word 'gloomy' originated from the Middle English word 'glomie' which meant 'dark' or 'murky'. It is believed to have been derived from the Old English word 'glom', meaning 'twilight'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include feelings of sadness or depression. The word has been used in English literature for centuries to describe both physical darkness and emotional states of despair.
See also: gloom, gloomily, gloominess.