What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
darkness
Example
The room was filled with darkness after the power outage. [darkness: noun]
Example
I prefer to sleep in complete darkness. [darkness: noun]
gloom
Example
The news of her grandfather's death cast a gloom over the family. [gloom: noun]
Example
The abandoned house had a sense of gloom and foreboding. [gloom: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Darkness is a more common word than gloom and is used in a wider range of contexts. Gloom is less common and is typically used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between darkness and gloom?
Gloom is generally considered a more formal word than darkness. It is often used in literature or formal writing to describe a mood or atmosphere, while darkness is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
