SOMBERNESS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does somberness mean? 

• SOMBERNESS (noun)
  The noun SOMBERNESS has 3 senses:

1. a state of partial or total darkness

2. a feeling of melancholy apprehension

3. a manner that is serious and solemn

  Familiarity information: SOMBERNESS used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SOMBERNESS (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A state of partial or total darkness

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

gloom; somberness; sombreness

Context example:

he struck a match to dispel the gloom

Hypernyms ("somberness" is a kind of...):

semidarkness (partial darkness)

Derivation:

somber (lacking brightness or color; dull)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A feeling of melancholy apprehension

Classified under:

Nouns denoting feelings and emotions

Synonyms:

gloom; gloominess; somberness; sombreness

Hypernyms ("somberness" is a kind of...):

apprehension; apprehensiveness; dread (fearful expectation or anticipation)

melancholy (a feeling of thoughtful sadness)

Derivation:

somber (grave or even gloomy in character)

Sense 3

Meaning:

A manner that is serious and solemn

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

graveness; gravity; soberness; sobriety; somberness; sombreness

Hypernyms ("somberness" is a kind of...):

earnestness; serious-mindedness; seriousness; sincerity (the trait of being serious)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "somberness"):

stodginess; stuffiness (dull and pompous gravity)

Derivation:

somber (grave or even gloomy in character)