dire

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless; ; - G.C.Marshall
  2. adjective causing fear or dread or terror

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin dīrus (“fearful, ominous”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

desperate

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