adjective
lugubrious
luh-GOO-bree-uhs/ləˈɡuːbriəs/
Mournful or gloomy to an exaggerated degree.
The woman's lugubrious reaction to one broken biscuit puzzles her companion.
Etymology
Lugubris describes mourning, and the suffix makes an adjective meaning “characterized by” it. Lugubrious applies that quality to a person's manner, suggesting gloom so pronounced that it resembles an expression of grief.
In context
La Esmeralda, still surrounded by her lugubrious escort, was thrust by the police into a gloomy chamber.
More examples
- Her lugubrious expression makes a minor setback look like a tragedy.
- The commercial's lugubrious music seems excessive for a lost sock.
- He announces the canceled picnic in a lugubrious voice.
Forms
lugubrious
lugubriously adverb — In an exaggeratedly gloomy or mournful manner.
lugubriousness noun — An exaggerated air of gloom or sorrow.
Similar words
- doleful
- Expresses sadness or distress without necessarily suggesting exaggeration.
- mournful
- Often suggests genuine grief rather than exaggerated gloom.
- gloomy
- Describes unhappiness or pessimism without necessarily implying a mournful display.