dour
UK: dʊə | US: dʊr
Definition
adj. stern, harsh, or gloomy in manner or appearance
adj. obstinately unyielding
Structure
dou <hard>r <reduplicative suffix>
Etymology
dour = dou<hard> + r<reduplicative suffix>
- dou<hard>: Derived from Scottish Gaelic dubh (dark, black) or Old Irish dub (black), reflecting sternness or gloom.
- r: A reduplicative suffix in Scots dialect, intensifying the root meaning.
Etymology Origin:
The word dour entered English via Scots, where it originally meant "hard, severe," influenced by Gaelic dubh (dark). Over time, it evolved to describe unyielding sternness or a grim demeanor, retaining its phonetic compactness. The Scots' linguistic tendency to reinforce meaning with suffixes (like -r) likely shaped its current form.
Examples
The judge's dour expression silenced the courtroom.
Despite the celebration, his dour mood never lifted.
She gave a dour reply, refusing to compromise.
The landscape matched his dour outlook—barren and cold.
His dour personality made him seem unapproachable.