What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
somber
Example
The funeral was a somber occasion. [somber: adjective]
Example
She wore a somber black dress to the memorial service. [somber: adjective]
gloomy
Example
The weather was gloomy and overcast all day. [gloomy: adjective]
Example
He had a gloomy outlook on life after losing his job. [gloomy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gloomy is more commonly used than somber in everyday language. Gloomy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while somber is less common and is typically used in more formal or serious contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between somber and gloomy?
Somber is typically associated with a formal or serious tone, while gloomy is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
