Gloomy
/ˈɡluː.mi/noun
Feeling or expressing sadness, melancholy, or pessimism; lacking brightness.
Did you know?The noun gloom originally referred to physical darkness or twilight before English speakers began using it for a person’s somber emotional state.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic (possibly)
Proto-Germanic
*glōmaz
“A reconstructed form possibly connected with dimness or twilight; the ultimate origin is uncertain.”
Medieval Scandinavian (possible source)
Old Norse
glóma
“To gleam or shine faintly; sometimes proposed as related to the English gloom family, though the connection is disputed.”
14th Century
Middle English
gloum
“Darkness, twilight, or a gloomy appearance.”
16th Century
English
gloom
“Darkness, especially shadow or dim light; later, a depressed or melancholy state.”
Late 16th Century
English
gloomy
“Dark, dim, or shadowy; subsequently, melancholy or pessimistic.”
Modern English
English
gloomy
“Somber, depressed, pessimistic, or lacking light.”