Dour — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈdau̇(-ə)r/

Meaning & Definition of Dour

Dour (adjective)

  1. stern, harsh
  2. obstinate, unyielding
  3. gloomy, sullen

Dour (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. harsh and threatening in manner or appearance

    "a dour prison guard who didn't look like he'd be very understanding"

    similar: austere, fierce, flinty, forbidding, grim, gruff, intimidating, lowering, rough, rugged, severe, stark, steely, stern, ungentle
    related: bleak, cold, hostile, inhospitable, inimical, unfriendly, unsympathetic, adamant, bound, determined, firm, intent, purposeful, resolute, resolved, steadfast, unflinching, fixed, hard, hardened, hardheaded, immovable, implacable, inflexible, ironhanded, mulish, obdurate, obstinate, rigid, self-willed, set, stiff, stubborn, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unyielding, willful, immutable, unchangeable, black, cheerless, dark, gloomy, glum, joyless, melancholic, moody, morose, sulky, sullen, surly, brooding, grave, humorless, melancholy, serious, sober, sobersided, solemn, somber, staid, unsmiling, weighty
    opposite: benign, benignant, gentle, mild, nonintimidating, tender
    near: bland, meek, mellow, soft, soothing, easy, quiet, tranquil, agreeable, bright, cheerful, inviting, pleasant, pleasing, sweet, glad, happy, lighthearted, merry, mirthful, sunny, featherbrained, flighty, frivolous, giddy, goofy, harebrained, light-headed, playful, scatterbrained, silly

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dour

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dour:

austere, fierce, flinty, forbidding, grim, gruff, intimidating, lowering, rough, rugged, severe, stark, steely, stern, ungentle

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Dour

Words with the opposite meaning of Dour:

benign, benignant, gentle, mild, nonintimidating, tender

Related Words for Dour

bleak, cold, hostile, inhospitable, inimical, unfriendly, unsympathetic, adamant, bound, determined, firm, intent, purposeful, resolute, resolved, steadfast, unflinching, fixed, hard, hardened, hardheaded, immovable, implacable, inflexible, ironhanded, mulish, obdurate, obstinate, rigid, self-willed

Near Antonyms of Dour

bland, meek, mellow, soft, soothing, easy, quiet, tranquil, agreeable, bright, cheerful, inviting, pleasant, pleasing, sweet, glad, happy, lighthearted, merry, mirthful, sunny, featherbrained, flighty, frivolous, giddy, goofy, harebrained, light-headed, playful, scatterbrained

Word Forms of Dour

Derived words: dourly (adverb), dourness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Dour

Middle English, from Latin durus hard during

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Dour

What does "Dour" mean?

"Dour" means stern, harsh. As an adjective, it is defined as: stern, harsh.

What is another word for "Dour"?

Other words for "Dour" include austere, fierce, flinty, forbidding, grim, gruff, intimidating and lowering. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dour" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dour"?

There are 79 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dour". Common alternatives include austere, fierce, flinty, forbidding, grim, gruff, intimidating, lowering, rough and rugged.

What is the opposite of "Dour"?

Antonyms of "Dour" include benign, benignant, gentle, mild, nonintimidating and tender. Near antonyms include bland, meek, mellow and soft.

How do you use "Dour" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dour" in a sentence: "a dour prison guard who didn't look like he'd be very understanding".

Is "Dour" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Dour" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Dour"?

"Dour" is pronounced /ˈdau̇(-ə)r/.

What is the origin of the word "Dour"?

"Dour" comes from Middle English, from Latin durus hard during. First known use: 15th century.