lugubrious
/luːˈɡuː.bri.əs/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Looking or sounding very sad, gloomy, or serious. It is often used about a person, face, voice, or mood.
- He gave me a lugubrious look.
- Her voice sounded lugubrious in the meeting.
- The film has a lugubrious tone.
Adinary Nuance
Lugubrious is stronger and more literary than sad. It suggests a heavy, gloomy feeling, not just normal unhappiness. It is close to mournful and somber, but often has a slightly dramatic or exaggerated feel.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- u sầu
- Spanish
- lúgubre
- Chinese
- 阴郁的
- Japanese
- 陰気な
- Korean
- 우울한
Etymology
Lugubrious comes from Latin lugubris, meaning “mournful” or “sorrowful.” It entered English in the 17th century.
Common phrases
a lugubrious expressiona lugubrious voicelugubrious musiclugubrious mood
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is lugubrious formal or informal?
- It is formal and literary. People use it more in writing than in everyday speech.
- What is the difference between lugubrious and sad?
- Sad is common and simple. Lugubrious means very gloomy or mournful, with a stronger, more dramatic tone.
- Can I use lugubrious for a person's face?
- Yes. It often describes a face, look, voice, or expression that seems deeply gloomy.
- Is lugubrious a common word?
- No, it is not common in daily conversation. You will see it more in books, essays, and formal writing.