French Conversation · Level 71
60 words
French word
sombre
Pronunciation
IPA/sɔ̃bʁ/
Meaning
- adjectivedark
Example
La pièce est sombre.
The room is dark.
More examples
L'ambiance sombre du café m'a surpris.
The gloomy atmosphere of the cafe surprised me.
Core concept
A veil of low light that softens outlines and gives the scene a heavy tone.
Common phrases
ambiance sombre
gloomy atmosphere
ciel sombre
dark sky
visage sombre
somber expression
Similar words
obscur: Dimly lit or poorly visible because of weak light.
noir: Very dark, with a blackish color or appearance.
Definition in French
Qui manque de lumière; où la luminosité est faible.
Word origin
The adjective sombre is inherited through Old French from Latin subumbra, formed from sub, "under", and umbra, "shadow".
Usage tips
- In phrases such as un avenir sombre, sombre means bleak rather than physically dark, so context determines the English sense.