DOUR

Definition of DOUR

DOUR Adjective

Dour is an adjective that describes a demeanor or appearance that is stern, unyielding, or severe. It signifies a mood or attitude marked by gloominess, seriousness, or a lack of cheerfulness.

Stern or Severe: As an adjective, dour refers to a person’s demeanor or attitude that is stern, serious, or lacking in warmth. For example, “The teacher’s dour expression suggested that she was displeased with the students’ performance,” indicates a stern or serious demeanor.

Gloomy or Unyielding: Dour can also describe an atmosphere or environment that is gloomy, grim, or unyielding. For instance, “The dour weather added to the sense of desolation in the abandoned town,” highlights a lack of cheerfulness or a bleak environment.

Context in Personal and Professional Settings: Dour is significant in both personal and professional settings, where a dour attitude or environment can impact interactions and perceptions. For example, “A dour attitude in a workplace may affect team morale and collaboration,” underscores its effect on interpersonal dynamics.

Importance in Characterization and Descriptions: Understanding dour is crucial in characterization and descriptions, where it helps convey specific traits or moods. For example, “In literature, a dour character might be used to create a sense of foreboding or tension,” highlights its role in shaping narrative tone and character portrayal.

Impact on Perception and Interaction: Recognizing dour helps in understanding its impact on perception and interaction. For example, “A dour demeanor can lead others to perceive someone as unapproachable or unfriendly,” illustrates how demeanor affects social interactions and perceptions.

Dour is an adjective that describes a demeanor or appearance that is stern, unyielding, or severe, marked by gloominess or a lack of cheerfulness. Understanding dour highlights its significance in personal and professional settings, its importance in characterization and descriptions, and its impact on perception and interaction, emphasizing the role of demeanor in shaping moods and relationships.

CONTROVERSIAL

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AUSTERE

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SPORT

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DISADVANTAGED

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Examples of DOUR in a sentence

• Dour describes a manner that is stern, gloomy, or severe.
• His dour expression made it clear he was not pleased.
• The dour weather matched his mood perfectly.
• She found the dour atmosphere in the meeting unsettling.
• Despite his dour demeanor, he was known to have a good sense of humor.
• The teacher’s dour attitude discouraged students from asking questions.
• Their dour faces reflected the seriousness of the situation.
• The film’s dour tone was offset by a few light-hearted moments.

Origin of DOUR

Dour traces its origins to the Latin word durus, meaning “hard” or “harsh.” The term evolved through Old French and Middle English to describe a stern, severe, or unfriendly demeanor.

• Latin: Durus (hard, harsh).
• Latin: Durus meant hard or harsh, reflecting an unyielding or stern quality.
• Old French: The term evolved to dour (dour), which maintained the meaning of being stern or severe.
• Middle English: Dour emerged as an adjective describing a grim, stern, or unfriendly disposition.

In contemporary English, dour refers to a manner that is stern, gloomy, or unyielding. It describes a person or expression that is harsh or severe in appearance or demeanor. The term retains its core meaning from Latin, focusing on a stern or serious attitude.

SAIL

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SAGO

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NARK

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ROMA

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