somber

/ˈsäm-bər/ (ame, mw)

somber — adjective

  • somberpositive
  • somberercomparative
  • somberestsuperlative

1. showing or feeling a deep, quiet sadness that leaves no room for humor or cheer

1.形容詞C1
釋義

showing or feeling a deep, quiet sadness that leaves no room for humor or cheer

例句

Keiko's face grew somber when she read the letter from her mother.

somber + face/expression: describing a person's look

The whole office turned somber after the manager shared the bad news.

somber + atmosphere: describing a group's sudden change in mood

同義詞
  • grave

    stresses the seriousness or danger of a situation rather than the sadness itself

  • solemn

    adds a sense of dignity and formality; often used for ceremonies

  • melancholy

    a gentler, more lingering sadness, often without a specific cause

反義詞
  • cheerful

    bright and happy in mood, the direct opposite of somber

  • lighthearted

    carefree and amusing, lacking the weight that somber carries

用法筆記

Frequently describes a shared mood or atmosphere rather than just one person's feeling. The sadness is quiet, deep, and restrained — not loud or dramatic.

常見錯誤

❌He stayed somber at the party and drank only water.
✅He stayed sober at the party and drank only water.
💡'somber' means serious and sad; 'sober' means not drunk.
❌The room had a sombre feeling.' (in an American English context)
✅The room had a somber feeling.
💡'somber' is the American spelling; 'sombre' is used in British English.

2. having a dull, dark appearance with no bright colors or decorative detail

2.形容詞C1
釋義

having a dull, dark appearance with no bright colors or decorative detail

例句

Hana picked a somber navy dress for the rainy autumn service.

somber + clothing/color: describing dark, plain garments

The photograph showed a somber alley between two tall brick buildings.

同義詞
  • drab

    suggests a lack of color that feels boring or uninteresting

  • muted

    describes colors that are softened or toned down, not necessarily dark

  • gloomy

    darker and more negative, often suggesting an unwelcoming atmosphere

反義詞
  • bright

    full of light or strong color, the direct visual opposite

  • vivid

    producing strong, clear color or light; intensely bright

用法筆記

Applies to visual appearance only — colors, clothing, rooms, skies. Contrast with sense 1 (SERIOUS AND SAD), which describes emotions and moods.