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Dour: meaning, pronunciation and examples

Dour adjective. Stern, gloomy and unsmiling.

How to say it

DOOR/ˈdʊə/

1 syllable.

Dour in a sentence

A dour receptionist pointed us to the plastic chairs without a word.

Behind his dour expression lay a very dry sense of humour.

Similar and opposite

Similar:

  • stern
  • sullen
  • severe
  • morose

Opposite:

  • cheerful
  • genial

Where dour comes from

First found in Scots, probably from Latin durus, hard.

Test yourself

Which word fills the gap?

Behind his _____ expression lay a very dry sense of humour.

  • ebullient
  • profligate
  • dour
Show the answer

dour: Behind his dour expression lay a very dry sense of humour.