- Today's Word
Dour
DOW-er
Definition
(adjective) Relentlessly severe, stern, or gloomy in manner or appearance.
Example
The teacher’s dour expression silenced the room immediately.
Fun Fact
Dour has appeared in literature and journalism for centuries to describe characters or leaders who are all seriousness, no flair. In Scottish dialect, it can imply grim persistence or grim determination—not just grumpiness. You’ll often find it in political writing, especially when describing stoic figures who rarely smile.
(adjective) Characterized by soft, whispering, or rustling sounds.
The susurrous murmur of wind through the leaves made the forest feel alive yet utterly peaceful.
From Latin susurrare — “to whisper.”