How Do You Spell SOMBRE?

Pronunciation: [sˈɒmbə] (IPA)

"Sombre" is a word that is often misspelled as "somber." The correct spelling comes from its French roots, spelled as "sombré" and pronounced as "sɔ̃bʁe." The "b" and "r" sounds are both pronounced in this phonetic transcription. The word means dark, gloomy, or solemn, and is often used in literature to set a melancholy tone. While "somber" is a commonly accepted alternative spelling, adhering to the French origin provides a more accurate representation of the word's meaning and pronunciation.

SOMBRE Meaning and Definition

  1. Sombre, also spelled "somber," is an adjective that describes a mood, atmosphere, or appearance that is dark, gloomy, or melancholy in nature. It represents a state of low spirits, seriousness, or sadness.

    When referring to a person's demeanor, it suggests a sense of pensiveness, seriousness, or quiet introspection. For instance, an individual exhibiting a sombre expression may appear downcast, reflecting a deeper emotional state. In this context, the word often implies a lack of cheerfulness or optimism.

    In terms of atmosphere, sombre describes settings or environments that evoke feelings of solemnity, severity, or gravity. It suggests a lack of brightness or liveliness, often associated with muted or dull colors. A sombre landscape or room may lack vibrant tones, with darker hues predominant, conveying a sense of heaviness or seriousness.

    "Sombre" also carries connotations related to mourning or funeral rites. It is frequently used in the context of rituals or ceremonies associated with death or solemn occasions, highlighting the gravity and sobriety of the situation.

    Overall, "sombre" encompasses a range of emotions, from deep sadness to seriousness, and it characterizes environments or appearances that lack energy, brightness, or liveliness. It provides a descriptive term for assessing the tone, mood, or atmosphere of a person, place, or situation.

  2. Dark; dusky; gloomy.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SOMBRE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for SOMBRE

Etymology of SOMBRE

The word "sombre" originates from the Middle English word "sombre", which came from the Old French word "sombre". In turn, the Old French term derived from the Latin word "subumbrare", which means "to cast a shadow over" or "to shade". This Latin word is a combination of "sub", meaning "under", and "umbra", meaning "shadow". Over time, the spelling of "sombre" evolved to its current form, while retaining its original meaning of darkness or gloominess.

Similar spelling words for SOMBRE

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