What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dirgy
Example
The funeral procession was accompanied by a dirgy tune played on the bagpipes. [dirgy: adjective]
Example
The dirgy melody of the song matched the sad lyrics perfectly. [dirgy: adjective]
gloomy
Example
The sky was gloomy and gray, and it looked like it would rain any minute. [gloomy: adjective]
Example
She had a gloomy expression on her face after hearing the bad news. [gloomy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gloomy is more commonly used than dirgy in everyday language, and it covers a wider range of contexts and situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dirgy and gloomy?
Both dirgy and gloomy are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations or creative writing. However, dirgy may be considered more formal due to its association with music and art.