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English Lexicon

Dreary

/ˈdrɪəri/
adjectiveCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #8500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Dull, bleak, and lifeless; lacking in cheer or brightness.

    "The weather was dreary, with gray clouds hanging low in the sky."
  2. 2

    Causing feelings of sadness or gloom.

    "The dreary news about the economy left everyone feeling disheartened."
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Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum

Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Old English adjective 'drēorig', meaning bloody, sorrowful, or sad, stemming from 'drēor' (blood). Over the centuries, the meaning shifted from gory and sorrowful to denoting dull, bleak, and depressingly dismal weather, places, or situations.

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