Dour - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Dour describes someone who is stern, gloomy, or unfriendly in manner or appearance. It often implies a lack of warmth or cheerfulness, making the person seem harsh or unapproachable.
Definition:
Stern, gloomy, or sullen in manner or appearance.
Synonyms:
Grim, stern, sullen, morose, forbidding
Part of Speech:
Adjective
Antonyms:
Cheerful, jovial, sunny
Common Collocations:
Dour expression, dour mood, dour personality
Derivatives:
Dourly, dourness
Usage Tips:
Use "dour" to describe someone’s unfriendly or stern demeanor, often implying a lack of warmth or humor.
Common Phrases:
Dour look, dour face, dour disposition
Etymology:
From Old French "dur," meaning "hard," ultimately from Latin "durus."
Examples:
- 1. The teacher’s dour expression silenced the noisy classroom.
- 2. His dour attitude made the party less enjoyable for everyone.
- 3. She gave him a dour glance before turning away.
- 4. The old man’s dour demeanor hid a kind heart.