Lugubriousness

Lugubriousness (noun) is the quality of being excessively mournful, gloomy, or dismal in appearance, manner, or expression. It describes a state of profound sadness, often exaggerated or theatrical. This characteristic can be manifested through somber attire, a doleful demeanor, a slow, heavy gait, or a consistently downcast outlook on life. It extends beyond simple sadness, implying a persistent and almost theatrical display of sorrow, frequently bordering on the melodramatic and inducing a sense of unease or discomfort in observers. It suggests a preoccupation with the darker aspects of life and a resistance to joy or levity. The term combines the Latin word “lugere”, which means “to mourn”, and the suffix “-ous”, which means “full of”.

Lugubriousness meaning with examples

• The critic described the play's constant rain and dim lighting as examples of the director's embrace of lugubriousness, claiming it overshadowed the more subtle emotional undercurrents. The overwhelming sorrow felt less authentic and more a stylistic choice, dampening any connection to the characters' plights, and leading to a boring performance.
• Her extended period of mourning following the loss of her pet was initially considered understandable, but her prolonged lugubriousness, marked by constant black attire and pronouncements of despair, began to concern her friends and family, who encouraged her to seek help. Eventually, her behaviour was a burden for those who cared.
• The funeral was a display of intense lugubriousness, with mourners weeping openly, the eulogy delivered in a hushed tone, and the music selected specifically to emphasize the sorrow of the occasion. While respectful and heartfelt, its deliberate focus on grief left visitors feeling emotionally exhausted and uncomfortable after attending the ceremony.
• The antique shop exuded a certain lugubriousness, filled with faded photographs, dusty furniture, and shadows that seemed to hold onto memories of a forgotten past. The silence and the musty smell of old paper and leather added to the atmosphere of melancholy, making the place feel like a mausoleum, rather than a retail establishment.
• Despite the vibrant colors and tropical setting, the novel's tone was marked by an unexpected lugubriousness, as the protagonist wrestled with his sense of isolation and loss. His introspective narration, filled with philosophical musings on the fleeting nature of beauty, created a depressing undertone throughout the book.