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dour

/ˈdaʊə/adjective

Serious, unfriendly, and severe in manner or appearance.

Example sentences

  • “The dour receptionist barely looked up when we walked in.”
  • “Despite his dour expression, the old farmer had a kind heart.”

Traditionally rhymes with 'tour', though rhyming with 'sour' is now widespread. Often applied to faces and expressions.

Synonyms for dour

  • stern
  • sullen
  • grim
  • severe

Antonyms

Find it in: Advanced English words, Words to describe a person.

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