How Do You Spell DOUR?

Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ʊ͡ə] (IPA)

The word "dour" is often misspelt due to its unconventional pronunciation. The correct spelling is "d-o-u-r" with an IPA transcription of /dɔːr/. The "ou" spelling creates a diphthong, a sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable. In this case, it creates the "aw" sound in "dawn" and "law." The "r" at the end of the word is also pronounced, making it distinct from the word "dow." Despite its challenging spelling, the word remains a valuable addition to anyone's vocabulary.

DOUR Meaning and Definition

  1. Dour is an adjective that describes someone who is stern, severe, or lacking in cheerfulness. It is commonly used to describe a person's disposition, demeanor, or appearance.

    When applied to a person, dour suggests a gloomy nature or a lack of friendliness. It implies a serious or Sullen expression and a general lack of warmth or openness. A dour individual may exhibit a stern countenance, rarely smiling or displaying any signs of happiness. They may also have a gruff or unapproachable manner of speaking, often coming across as intimidating or harsh.

    The term can also be used to describe a gloomy or depressive atmosphere, indicating a lack of brightness or liveliness. In this context, a dour environment may be characterized by its somber or joyless tone, offering little excitement or cheer to those within it.

    Furthermore, dour can also describe an appearance characterized by its seriousness or lack of expression, typically associated with a stern or sturdy face.

    Overall, dour signifies a lack of cheerfulness, friendliness, or liveliness. It reflects a personality or atmosphere that is severe, stern, or dark in nature.

Top Common Misspellings for DOUR *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DOUR

Etymology of DOUR

The word "dour" originally comes from the Old English word "dūr", which meant "obdurate" or "stubborn". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "dūraz" meaning "hard" or "firm". Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a person's or a situation's perceived as unfriendly, stern, or gloomy.

Similar spelling words for DOUR

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