What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lugubrious
Example
The funeral procession had a lugubrious air. [lugubrious: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a lugubrious tone, recounting the tragic events of the day. [lugubrious: adjective]
dismal
Example
The weather was so dismal that it made everyone feel down. [dismal: adjective]
Example
The team's performance this season has been dismal. [dismal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dismal is more commonly used than lugubrious in everyday language. Dismal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lugubrious is less common and typically reserved for more formal or literary writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lugubrious and dismal?
Lugubrious is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while dismal is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.