What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dark
Example
The room was so dark that I couldn't see anything. [dark: adjective]
Example
She wore a dark dress to the funeral. [dark: adjective]
Example
The movie had a dark and suspenseful plot. [dark: adjective]
gloomy
Example
The weather was gloomy and overcast all day. [gloomy: adjective]
Example
He had a gloomy expression on his face after hearing the bad news. [gloomy: adjective]
Example
The abandoned house had a gloomy atmosphere that made me feel uneasy. [gloomy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dark is a more common word than gloomy in everyday language, as it has a wider range of uses and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dark and gloomy?
Both dark and gloomy are generally informal words, but dark can be used in more formal contexts due to its versatility.
