dour

/dʊə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /dʊr/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdau̇(-ə)r ˈdu̇r/ (ame, mw)

dour — adjective

  • dourpositive
  • more dourcomparative
  • most doursuperlative

1. used to describe a person whose face, way of behaving, or character seems unfrie

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe a person whose face, way of behaving, or character seems unfriendly, severe, and lacking warmth or happiness.

例句

The security guard at the museum entrance gave us a dour look.

dour + noun (look, expression, face)

Aunt Rosa's dour expression told the children she was not amused.

dour + noun (expression, manner)

同義詞
  • grim

    suggests a harder, more forbidding face, often from pain or hardship

  • stern

    relates to authority and discipline rather than unhappiness

  • sullen

    describes a temporary silent bad temper, not a permanent character

  • glum

    lighter and more about disappointment; less hostile than dour

反義詞
  • cheerful

    happy and positive in manner

  • friendly

    warm and welcoming towards others

  • genial

    kind and pleasantly cheerful

文法句型

be + dour

dour + noun (look, expression, manner)

用法筆記

Frequently describes a person's permanent or long-term character, manner, or facial expression rather than a temporary mood. Unlike 'grim' or 'glum', which can describe a reaction to a specific event, 'dour' suggests an ingrained quality.

常見錯誤

❌He was dour because he lost his wallet.
✅He was glum because he lost his wallet.
💡'Dour' describes a lasting character trait, not a reaction to a single event.

2. refusing to change an opinion or decision, even when people try to persuade you

2.形容詞C1
釋義

refusing to change an opinion or decision, even when people try to persuade you to be more flexible.

例句

The village elders remained dour in their refusal to sell the farmland.

dour in + noun (refusal, insistence, opposition)

Doctor Olu was dour in his insistence that all safety rules be followed.

同義詞
  • stubborn

    more common and everyday; less harsh than dour

  • obstinate

    similar in formality; implies unreasonable refusal to change

  • unyielding

    firm but less negative; can be neutral or admirable

反義詞
  • flexible

    willing to change or compromise

  • yielding

    giving in to others' wishes or pressure

文法句型

dour in + noun/gerund

dour + noun (refusal, determination)

用法筆記

Stronger than 'stubborn'. 'Dour' implies a harsh, almost grim refusal to change, while 'stubborn' can describe everyday situations. Typically used about people's positions or decisions, not animals or simple habits.

常見錯誤

❌The puppy was dour and refused to come inside.
✅The puppy was stubborn and refused to come inside.
💡'Dour' is for people holding firm positions on serious matters, not for animals or everyday refusals.