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Dreary - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Dreary means dull, bleak, or depressing, often describing weather, places, or moods that lack cheerfulness or interest. For example, a rainy gray day can feel dreary.

dreary

/ˈdrɪri/ /ˈdrɪəri/

Definition:

Dull, bleak, and lifeless; causing sadness or gloom.

Synonyms:

gloomy, dismal, bleak, depressing

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

cheerful, bright

Common Collocations:

dreary weather, dreary day, dreary landscape

Derivatives:

drearily, dreariness

Usage Tips:

Use "dreary" to describe something that feels monotonous or joyless, like weather or a place.

Common Phrases:

dreary existence, dreary outlook, dreary monotony

Etymology:

From Old English "drēorig," meaning sorrowful or bloody; related to "dreor" (blood).

Examples:

  • 1. The sky looked dreary and gray all morning.
  • 2. She sighed at the dreary routine of her daily commute.
  • 3. The old house had a dreary atmosphere that made visitors uneasy.
  • 4. His speech was so dreary that half the audience fell asleep.

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