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
The sky was somber and gray, reflecting the mood of the day. [somber: adjective]
melancholy
Example
She felt a deep sense of melancholy after the breakup. [melancholy: noun]
Example
The music had a melancholy tone that matched the rainy day. [melancholy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Melancholy is less common than somber in everyday language. Somber is often used to describe a serious or solemn mood or atmosphere, while melancholy is more commonly used in literature or poetry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between somber and melancholy?
Somber is generally considered more formal than melancholy, and is often used in serious or somber contexts such as funerals or memorials. Melancholy has a more poetic and introspective tone, and is often used in artistic or literary contexts.
