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Lugubrious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lugubrious

[luːˈɡuː.bri.əs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

sad, gloomy

Lugubrious describes a state of extreme sadness or melancholy that is often exaggerated or theatrical in nature. It is typically used to convey a sense of despair that is more than just being unhappy; it is a deep, mournful sadness. The term can apply to emotions, expressions, or environments that feel heavy with sorrow.

Synonyms

dreary, gloomy, mournful, sorrowful.

Examples of usage

  • He wore a lugubrious expression at the funeral.
  • The movie had a lugubrious tone throughout, leaving audiences feeling heavy-hearted.
  • Her lugubrious demeanor was evident after receiving the disappointing news.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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  • People experiencing sadness may exhibit lugubrious traits, such as low energy, withdrawn behavior, or a tearful demeanor.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.

Origin of 'lugubrious'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'lugubrious' comes from the Latin word 'lugubris', which means 'mournful' or 'sorrowful'. This Latin term is derived from the verb 'lugere', which translates to 'to mourn' or 'to lament'. The term started to appear in English texts around the late 17th century. It was commonly associated with theatrical expressions of sorrow and sadness, highlighting a dramatic or exaggerated sense of mourning. Over the years, its use has evolved to describe not only emotions but also places, events, or atmospheres that evoke a deep sense of gloom. Today, 'lugubrious' retains its association with a profound feeling of sadness, often used in literary contexts to illustrate the weight of sorrow that characters or situations carry.

Word Frequency Rank

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