The quality or state of being glum; sadness, quietness, or a melancholy disposition.
From 'glum' + '-ness' (abstract noun suffix from Old English). The '-ness' suffix has been used since Old English times to convert adjectives into nouns describing abstract qualities.
The abstract noun 'glumness' let writers describe an entire emotional atmosphere—not just one person being sad, but a pervasive sadness that colors a whole scene or moment.
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