Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Episode: "Lugubrious"

Date: September 21, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski

Overview

This episode explores the word "lugubrious," providing listeners with its definition, usage in context, etymological background, and cultural relevance. Host Peter Sokolowski delves into how and when to use this evocative adjective, making connections to literature and music.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Definition and Pronunciation

• Spelling & Pronunciation:
  [00:42] "Today's Word is lugubrious. Spelled L-U-G-U-B-R-I-O-U-S. Lugubrious is an adjective." — Peter Sokolowski

• Primary Meaning:
  Lugubrious is described as a formal word, mostly used to depict something "very sad, especially in an exaggerated or insincere way." It can also refer to something that shows or expresses gloom.

2. Usage in Context

• Literary Example:
  [01:04] Peter shares a sentence from Vogue to illustrate the word in context:
  "On opening night, the audience at St. Petersburg's Alexandrinsky Theater were mystified by 'The Seagull's' neither wholly comic nor wholly tragic tone, hissing and heckling throughout, with Chekhov fleeing from the gallery after the second act. It was only two years later, when Konstantin Stanislavski staged a more lugubrious take on The Seagull at Moscow Art Theater, that it came to be recognized as a work of pure genius."

• Modern Cultural Tie-In:
  Peter brings in a reference to R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts," connecting the word to a broader emotional context:
  [01:37] "Everybody hurts, as the classic REM Song goes, and when your day is long and the night is yours alone. Lugubrious is a perfect word for describing such sorrowful feelings or that which inspires them. A lugubrious song, perhaps."

3. Etymology and Word History

• Origins:
  "Lugubrious is the sole surviving English offspring of the Latin verb lugere, meaning to mourn."
  [02:06] Peter explains that "lugere" is the root, and the related word "luctual" (meaning sad or sorrowful) fell out of use centuries ago.

4. Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• Definition Highlight:
  [00:52] “It’s a formal word used chiefly to describe something that is very sad, especially in an exaggerated or insincere way.” — Peter Sokolowski

• Etymology Insight:
  [02:06] “Lugubrious is the sole surviving English offspring of the Latin verb lugere, meaning to mourn.” — Peter Sokolowski

• Reassurance About the Word:
  [01:50] “That said, if lugubrious strikes you as a tad unusual, no, no, no, you’re not alone.” — Peter Sokolowski

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:42 — Introduction and definition of "lugubrious"
• 01:04 — Literary example (Vogue, Chekhov’s The Seagull)
• 01:37 — Cultural reference (R.E.M.’s "Everybody Hurts")
• 02:06 — Etymology and history of "lugubrious"
• 02:18 — Metacommentary about word's uniqueness and kin

Conclusion and Call to Action

Peter Sokolowski wraps up by encouraging listeners to visit merriam-webster.com for more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups.

Tone and Style

Peter’s delivery is warm, knowledgeable, and gently humorous. He balances scholarly insight with accessible pop culture references, helping make the word memorable and relevant.

For more word discoveries, check out Merriam-Webster’s daily podcast.