French Conversation · Level 160
30 words
French word
lugubre
Pronunciation
IPA/lygybʁ/
Meaning
- adjectivegloomy
Example
Le ciel est lugubre aujourd'hui.
The sky is gloomy today.
More examples
Son air était lugubre après la mauvaise nouvelle.
His demeanor was gloomy after the bad news.
Core concept
A dim, heavy atmosphere hanging over a scene, draining its light and color and making everything feel mournful.
Common phrases
air lugubre
gloomy atmosphere
ton lugubre
somber tone
Similar words
sombre: Dimly lit and subdued, with strong shadows and a serious atmosphere.
triste: Marked by sadness and a low, heavy emotional state.
Definition in French
Qui donne une impression sombre et triste, évoquant une atmosphère de mélancolie ou de désolation.
Word origin
French lugubre comes from Latin lugubris, related to lugere, meaning 'to mourn', and entered French through Old French.
Usage tips
- Lugubre is more literary and intense than triste, so it commonly describes a setting, atmosphere, or appearance rather than an ordinary passing mood.