Lugubrious: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• Derived from the Latin word 'lugubris,' which means 'mournful' or 'sorrowful.'
• The term was first recorded in English in the mid-17th century, reflecting a formal tone often used in literature.

Literature

• The term appears frequently in Gothic literature, where it emphasizes dark atmospheres and tragic emotions.
• Writers like Charles Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe used the word to enhance the melancholic tone of their narratives.

Psychology

• People experiencing sadness may exhibit lugubrious traits, such as low energy, withdrawn behavior, or a tearful demeanor.
• This mood can often be linked to various emotional disorders, but it's also a natural response to grief or loss.

Pop Culture

• The term is often used humorously in modern media to exaggerate a character's dramatic sadness, as seen in animated series or comedies.
• Songs that convey deep sadness or melancholy feelings may often use this term to describe their themes.

Art & Expression

• Visual artists sometimes depict lugubrious themes through dark color palettes and somber subjects in their paintings.
• The use of shadows and heavy textures in visual art can evoke the same lugubrious emotion found in literature.

At rank #29,455, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

• ...
• 29452 overpriced
• 29453 supervene
• 29454 immutability
• 29455 lugubrious
• 29456 denominate
• 29457 honeyed
• 29458 disquieted
• ...