What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glum
Example
After receiving the bad news, he became glum and withdrawn. [glum: adjective]
Example
The party was a glum affair, with no music or entertainment. [glum: adjective]
Example
The old house had a glum and eerie atmosphere. [glum: adjective]
dreary
Example
The long and dreary winter months seemed to drag on forever. [dreary: adjective]
Example
The abandoned factory was a dreary and desolate place. [dreary: adjective]
Example
The dreary rain continued to fall all day, making everyone feel gloomy. [dreary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dreary is more commonly used than glum in everyday language. Dreary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while glum is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between glum and dreary?
Both glum and dreary are considered formal words and are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing. However, dreary may be more commonly used in formal contexts due to its versatility and wider range of applications.
