Word: gloomy

Associations

The word "gloomy" describes a feeling or atmosphere that is dark, sad, or depressing. It often relates to weather or moods but can also describe environments or situations.

• It was a gloomy day. The sky was filled with dark clouds, and there was no sunlight.
• She felt gloomy after hearing the bad news. The news made her feel sad and hopeless.
• The gloomy atmosphere of the abandoned house made them feel uneasy. The darkness and silence gave them a sense of fear.

A synonym for "gloomy" is "dreary." The main difference is that "gloomy" often suggests darkness or lack of light, while "dreary" usually emphasizes dullness and lack of liveliness.

Substitution

You can use other words or phrases instead of "gloomy," such as:

• bleak (indicating a sense of hopelessness)
• somber (suggesting a serious or grave mood)
• melancholy (implying a deep, reflective sadness)

Each substitution has a slightly different meaning but can fit similar contexts.

Deconstruction

The word "gloomy" comes from the root "gloom," which means partial or total darkness. There is no prefix or suffix in "gloomy." The word has been used in English since the 16th century to describe dark or shadowy places and moods.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you felt gloomy? What were the circumstances?
• How does the weather affect your mood? Does a gloomy day make you feel different than a sunny day?
• Can you describe a place that feels gloomy to you? What about it makes you feel that way?