Basic Details
Word: Sombre
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Dark or dull in colour or tone; serious or sad in mood.
Synonyms: Gloomy, dreary, solemn
Antonyms: Bright, cheerful, lively
Idioms and Phrases
- Sombre as a grave: Used to describe someone who appears very serious or sad. Example: "After hearing the bad news, he was as sombre as a grave, not wanting to smile at all."
- Sombre mood: A state of being serious or gloomy. Example: "The sombre mood across the room was hard to ignore after the announcement."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The artist painted the landscape in sombre colours, reflecting the sadness of the scene.
Example 2: During the graduation ceremony, the atmosphere turned sombre when they honoured the fallen classmates.
Example 3: She wore a sombre dress to the event, as it was a memorial service for a dear friend.
Fun Fact
The word "sombre" comes from the French word "sombre," which means "dark." Its interesting how words can travel into English from other languages and keep their original meanings!
Famous Quote
"The sombre truth is that life often presents us with moments of sadness, but it is how we respond that defines our spirit." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "sombre" mean?
a) Bright and happy
b) Dark and serious
c) Colourful and lively
d) Light and airy
Answer: b) Dark and serious
2. Which of these is a synonym of "sombre"?
a) Vibrant
b) Gloomy
c) Joyful
d) Cheerful
Answer: b) Gloomy
3. Which sentence uses "sombre" correctly?
a) The garden was full of sombre flowers.
b) The party was sombre and everyone danced joyfully.
c) He gave a sombre look when he received the news.
d) The sky is sombre, filled with bright sunshine.
Answer: c) He gave a sombre look when he received the news.
4. Which idiom means the same as "sombre"?
a) Sombre mood
b) As bright as a button
c) To be in high spirits
d) Happy as a lark
Answer: a) Sombre mood
5. What is the opposite of "sombre"?
a) Gloomy
b) Bright
c) Dreary
d) Solemn
Answer: b) Bright
