somber
gb/sˈɑmbɚ/ us/sˈɑmbɚ/
B2
English
komor, borús, sötét tónusú
B2
1
Usage pattern:
[a somber mood/tone/occasion]
The room fell somber when the results were announced.
Az eredmények bejelentésekor komorrá vált a hangulat a teremben.
She spoke in a somber tone about the recent layoffs.
Komor hangon beszélt a közelmúltbeli leépítésekről.
It was a somber ceremony, but it helped people say goodbye.
Learner examples
He looked somber after the meeting.
Komornak tűnt a megbeszélés után.
The music sounds somber.
A zene komoran szól.
Common mistake:
Often confused with sober (not drunk; or serious in a more practical way). Somber usually suggests sadness or gloom.
Meaning
serious and slightly sad
Collocations
somber mood
|somber tone
|somber voice
|somber expression
|somber atmosphere
|somber news
|somber occasion
|somber reminder
|a somber moment
|somber reflection
Synonyms
gloomy (More strongly suggests darkness or depression.)
|
grave (More formal; emphasizes seriousness and importance.)
|
solemn (Often used for formal or ceremonial seriousness.)
|
sombre (British spelling of somber.)
Antonyms
cheerful (Positive, happy in mood or tone.)
|
lighthearted (Not serious; playful.)
|
upbeat (Positive and optimistic in tone.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|social_life
Definition
serious and a little sad
Serious, quiet, and slightly sad, often because something bad has happened or is being discussed.
C1
2
komor
B2
sötét tónusú
B2
Usage pattern:
[somber colors/lighting/room]
The designer chose somber colors to give the room a calm, restrained look.
A tervező komor színeket választott, hogy a szobának nyugodt, visszafogott megjelenést adjon.
The film’s somber lighting made the streets feel unsafe.
A film komor megvilágítása miatt az utcák veszélyesnek hatottak.
He wore a somber gray suit that blended into the rainy day.
Learner examples
The painting uses somber colors.
A festmény komor színeket használ.
The room looks somber in this light.
A szoba ebben a fényben komornak látszik.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse somber for any dark color; it usually implies a dull, muted, serious look rather than simply 'black' or 'dark'.
Meaning
dark in color or lighting
Collocations
somber colors
|somber lighting
|somber palette
|somber shades
|somber interior
|somber decor
|somber clothing
|a somber room
|somber streets
|somber sky
Synonyms
dark (More general; does not necessarily suggest muted or serious effect.)
|
muted (Emphasizes soft, subdued color rather than darkness.)
|
dull (Suggests lack of brightness or interest.)
Antonyms
bright (Full of light or vivid color.)
|
vivid (Strong, intense colors.)
|
colorful (Many bright colors.)
Themes
appearance
|arts
|daily_life
Definition
dark and not bright
Dark, dull, and lacking bright colors or light.
Grammar
Dictionary form
somber
IPA
GB/sˈɑmbɚ/
US/sˈɑmbɚ/
Syllables & stress
somber (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (somber)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: somber
Expressions
on a somber note
1/ˈɔn ə sˈɑmbɚ nˈoʊt/
fixed phrase
shifting to a serious topic
used before saying something serious or sad
Examples
- On a somber note, two people were injured in the storm.
- We had a great time overall, but on a somber note, the trip ended with a delay.
- On a somber note, the report also warns of rising costs next year.
Learner examples
- On a somber note, our teacher is leaving.