What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lugubrious
Example
The funeral procession was a lugubrious affair. [lugubrious: adjective]
Example
He had a lugubrious expression on his face after hearing the news. [lugubrious: adjective]
melancholy
Example
She felt a sense of melancholy after the breakup. [melancholy: noun]
Example
The rainy weather made him feel melancholy. [melancholy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Melancholy is more commonly used than lugubrious in everyday language. Melancholy is a versatile word that can be used to describe a range of emotions, while lugubrious is a more specific term that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lugubrious and melancholy?
Both lugubrious and melancholy are formal words that are typically used in written or literary contexts. However, melancholy is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.