gloomy
UK: ˈɡluːmi | US: ˈɡluːmi
adj. dark or poorly lit, often causing sadness or depression
adj. feeling or appearing sad, melancholic, or despondent
adj. causing or suggesting a lack of hope or optimism
gloomy = gloom<partial darkness> + y<adjective suffix>
- gloom: From Middle English gloumben ("to frown, look sullen"), likely of Scandinavian origin (compare Old Norse glámr ("twilight, ghostly appearance")). Originally implied dim light or a sullen expression, later extended to emotional darkness.
- -y: A productive English suffix forming adjectives (e.g., cloudy, sunny), here converting "gloom" into a descriptive term.
Etymology Origin:
"Gloomy" emerged in the late 16th century, blending the physical notion of dimness (gloom) with emotional states. The Scandinavian root glámr (twilight/ghostly) hints at eerie half-light, which metaphorically evolved to describe both murky environments and somber moods. The suffix -y streamlined the word into its modern adjectival form, emphasizing a pervasive sense of darkness—literal or emotional.
The gloomy weather made the streets empty by dusk.
She felt gloomy after hearing the disappointing news.
The old castle had a gloomy atmosphere, filled with shadows.
His gloomy predictions about the economy worried everyone.
Despite the party decorations, his face remained gloomy.