What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
somber
Example
The mood in the room was somber after hearing the news. [somber: adjective]
Example
She wore a somber dress to the funeral. [somber: adjective]
dismal
Example
The team's performance was dismal, losing every game of the season. [dismal: adjective]
Example
The rain made for a dismal day at the beach. [dismal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dismal is more commonly used than somber in everyday language. Dismal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while somber is less common and typically used in more formal or serious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between somber and dismal?
Somber is typically associated with a formal or serious 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.
