Glumly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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glumly

[หˆษกlสŒmli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

feeling or showing unhappiness

In a gloomy or pessimistic manner.

Synonyms

dejectedly, gloomily, sadly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
glumly

This term appears to be listed twice and hence no need to provide further context.

sadly

Appropriate for general expressions of sadness or regret. It's a more common and less intense term compared to others and can be used in a broad range of situations.

  • She smiled sadly, remembering the good times they had spent together.
  • He sighed sadly as he watched his friend leave.
gloomily

Use when describing a situation, atmosphere, or person that is filled with darkness, pessimism, or a lack of hope. It suggests a more pervasive sense of darkness or sadness.

  • The sky looked gloomily overcast, promising rain.
  • She spoke gloomily about the future, unsure of what it would hold.
dejectedly

Best used to describe a feeling of being sad and disappointed, often after experiencing failure or setback. It implies a deep sense of discouragement.

  • After losing the game, the team sat dejectedly in the locker room.
  • He walked dejectedly down the street after his job interview did not go well.

Examples of usage

  • She looked at him glumly, expecting bad news.
  • He sighed glumly and turned away.
Context #2 | Adjective

feeling or showing unhappiness

In a sullen or moody manner.

Synonyms

gloomy, moody, sullen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
glumly

Use 'glumly' when someone appears or behaves in a sad, depressed manner. Often used to describe a temporary mood.

  • She sat glumly in the corner, barely talking to anyone.
  • He glumly stared at his failed test paper.
sullen

Use 'sullen' to describe someone who is quietly angry or resentful, often refusing to talk or interact with others. This word has a negative connotation.

  • He sat in a sullen silence, unwilling to discuss what had happened.
  • Her sullen demeanor made it clear that she was upset about the decision.
moody

Use 'moody' to describe a person whose emotions change frequently and unpredictably, often swinging between happiness and sadness.

  • Teenagers can often be moody, switching from joy to anger in a matter of minutes.
  • Working with such a moody boss can be very challenging.
gloomy

Use 'gloomy' to describe an atmosphere or situation that feels depressing or dark. It can also refer to someone's mood but often refers to a broader or more sustained sense of darkness.

  • The weather was gloomy, with dark clouds covering the sky.
  • After hearing the bad news, his outlook on life became quite gloomy.

Examples of usage

  • She gave a glum look when she heard the bad news.
  • His glum expression told me something was wrong.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many authors use 'glumly' to evoke emotions in characters, portraying their moments of sorrow or contemplation.
  • In poetry, using 'glumly' helps paint a vivid picture of a character's emotional state, inviting readers to empathize with their struggles.
  • Notable works in English literature leverage the word to enhance the mood, drawing readers into a deeper understanding of the characters' plight.

Psychology

  • Experiencing emotions described by 'glumly' often signals a need for reflection or self-care in oneโ€™s mental health.
  • Research suggests that expressing feelings of sadness can lead to improved emotional well-being, allowing individuals to process their experiences.
  • Understanding the feeling of glumness is crucial, as it often serves as a precursor to more severe mood disorders.

Pop Culture

  • 'Glumly' often appears in movies and songs to depict characters experiencing moments of disappointment or reflection on lost opportunities.
  • Comedians sometimes use exaggerated expressions of glumness for comedic effect, highlighting the contrast between joy and sadness.
  • Social media frequently illustrates glumness, used in memes to express relatable feelings, resonating with broad audiences.

Origin of 'glumly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'glum', meaning gloomy, which reflects a sense of sadness.
  • It has roots in Middle English where 'glum' described a dark or somber atmosphere, showing its long-standing connection to feeling down.
  • Glumly was first recorded in usage in the 1800s, illustrating its development in the English language.

The word 'glumly' originated from the Middle English word 'glomen' which means to look sullen or displeased. Over time, the word evolved to 'glum' and later 'glumly' to describe a sad or moody expression. It has been used in English language since the 16th century.


See also: glum, glumness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,733 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.