lugubrious

/ləˈɡ(j)uːbɹi.əs/

Group 26Difficulty 3/3

Definition

(adjective)
Looking or sounding sad and dismal
GRE

Example in Context

The comedian's lugubrious expression, at odds with his deadpan delivery of hilarious material, was his signature trademark.

Synonyms

gloomymournfulsorrowful

Etymology

A mournful appearance or sound that evokes sadness.

  • lugere (Latin) — to mourn

Memory Aid

😢Sounds like “loo goo bree us

Picture a sad GOO turning into a LUGUBRIOUS monster that cries everywhere it goes — it's a real downer!

Visual Association

🌧️A gloomy, rainy day where even the sun seems to be crying in the sky.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “lugubrious” mean on the GRE?

lugubrious (adjective) means “Looking or sounding sad and dismal”. The comedian's lugubrious expression, at odds with his deadpan delivery of hilarious material, was his signature trademark.

How to remember “lugubrious” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “lugubrious” sounds like “loo goo bree us”. Picture a sad GOO turning into a LUGUBRIOUS monster that cries everywhere it goes — it's a real downer!

What are synonyms for “lugubrious”?

Common synonyms: gloomy, mournful, sorrowful.