Dire Meaning in English
word
/ˈdaɪɝ/
dyr
/dˈaɪə/
DY-uh
Definition
Used to describe very serious, urgent, or terrible situations that may involve danger, suffering, or hardship.
Usage & Nuances
'Dire' is formal and most often used before nouns like 'consequences,' 'need,' 'warning,' or 'situation.' It emphasizes high severity or urgency. It's rarely used in everyday speech, except for serious topics. Do not confuse with 'directions' or 'director.'
Spanish: terrible - grave - desesperadoPortuguese (BR): terrível - grave - desesperadorPortuguese (PT): terrível - grave - desesperadoChinese (Simplified): 可怕的 - 危急的 - 严重的Chinese (Traditional): 可怕的 - 危急的 - 嚴重的Hindi: भयानक - गंभीर - कठिनArabic: كارثي - شديد (خطر شديد) - وخيمBengali: ভয়াবহ - মারাত্মক - সংকটজনকRussian: ужасный - крайне серьёзный - катастрофическийJapanese: 差し迫った - ひどい - 深刻なVietnamese: nghiêm trọng - khẩn cấp - thảm khốcKorean: 심각한 - 끔찍한 - 절박한Turkish: vahim - korkunç - ciddiUrdu: سخت - خطرناک - سنگینIndonesian: genting - mengerikan - sangat serius
Example Sentences
She ignored his dire warnings.
basic
The refugees are in dire need of food and water.
basic
The city faced dire consequences after the disaster.
basic
If we don't act now, things could get dire really fast.
natural
We're in a dire situation with our finances right now.
natural
The doctor told us the patient was in dire condition, but there was still hope.
natural