Dour Meaning in English
word
Definition
Someone who is dour looks or behaves in a serious, unfriendly, or gloomy way; can also describe something harsh or severe in manner or appearance.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and literary; describes a stern, unsmiling person or an atmosphere lacking warmth. Commonly used for people, faces, or settings. Can imply resilience in Scottish English ('dour determination'). Not to be confused with 'sour' (taste or mood).
Spanish: adusto - severo - hurañoPortuguese (BR): sério - carrancudo - sombrioPortuguese (PT): severo - carrancudo - sombrioChinese (Simplified): 严厉的 - 阴沉的Chinese (Traditional): 嚴厲的 - 陰沉的Hindi: कठोर - गंभीरArabic: صارم - كئيبBengali: গম্ভীর - নিঃসঙ্গ - কঠোরRussian: угрюмый - хмурый - суровыйJapanese: 厳格な - 愛想のない - 陰気なVietnamese: ủ rũ - nghiêm nghị - lạnh lùngKorean: 엄한 - 무뚝뚝한 - 침울한Turkish: asık suratlı - ciddi - soğukUrdu: سخت گیر - سنجیدہ - اُداسIndonesian: nghiêm nghị - lạnh lùng - ủ rũ
Example Sentences
The man had a dour look on his face.
basic
She spoke in a dour voice.
basic
The dour weather made everyone feel sad.
basic
He always seems so dour, but he's actually pretty funny once you get to know him.
natural
There was a dour mood in the office after the layoffs.
natural
The coach gave the team a dour warning before the big game.
natural