Somberest

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting the absolute highest level of seriousness or darkness in demeanor or aspect suggests an exceptionally grave condition
2. Displaying the deepest level of sadness or seriousness in expression or atmosphere
3. Characterized by the utmost gravity or darkness in appearance or tone

Etymology: "Somberest" is the superlative of "somber," so its history is that of the base adjective, to which the "-est" ending was added. The base word entered English from French "sombre," which in turn came from Latin "sub umbra," meaning "under shade." The Latin phrase joined "sub," "under," with "umbra," "shade" or "shadow," so the original sense was literally a place or condition lying beneath shadow. The superlative therefore describes the deepest possible shading of that idea. Where the base word can mean dim or gloomy, "somberest" picks out the most overcast, grave, or shadowed quality of a thing, mood, or appearance, and it is most often used of a person's bearing or of a dark, serious atmosphere.

Synonyms: most serious, most gloomy, most bleak, most dark, most dismal

Antonyms: cheerful, bright, joyful, lively, happy