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Definition of somberly

somberly

/ˈsɑːm.bɚ.li/
(UK: sombrely)
som · ber · ly
Adjective:somber
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somberly Lexical Profile

somberly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

American In a grave, serious, or melancholy manner; with a feeling of sadness or solemnity.

Example

"The committee members nodded somberly as the director announced the closure of the historic theater."

2

American In a dark, dull, or subdued manner, especially regarding color, lighting, or attire.

Example

"The guests were somberly dressed in charcoal and black suits for the memorial service."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

"Somberly" is the standard American English spelling, whereas "sombrely" is preferred in British and Commonwealth English.

• Nearby Words

somalia
somalian
somber
somberly
somberness
sombrero
some

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective "somber" (derived from French "sombre", meaning dark or shadowy, ultimately from Vulgar Latin "subombrare", meaning to cast in shadow) combined with the adverbial suffix "-ly".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Somberly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/somberly
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