somber
UK: ˈsɒmbə | US: ˈsɑːmbər
adj. dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy
adj. serious, grave, or melancholy in mood
somber = somb<shadow> + er<adjective suffix>
- somb (from Old French sombre "dark, gloomy," possibly from Late Latin subumbrare "to shadow," from sub "under" + umbra "shadow")
- er (English adjectival suffix used to form comparative or descriptive adjectives)
Etymology Origin:
The word "somber" traces back to Old French sombre, which originally described darkness or shadowiness. It likely evolved from the Late Latin subumbrare ("to cast a shadow"), combining sub- (under) and umbra (shadow). Over time, it expanded beyond literal darkness to describe moody or solemn atmospheres, reflecting the metaphorical link between physical shadow and emotional heaviness.
The sky turned somber as the storm approached.
His somber expression revealed his grief.
The painting’s somber palette evoked a sense of despair.
The funeral was a somber occasion.
She wore a somber gray dress to the meeting.