dour

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective stubbornly unyielding; ; ; ; - T.S.Eliot
  2. adjective harshly uninviting or formidable in manner or appearance; ; ; ; - J.M.Barrie
  3. adjective showing a brooding ill humor; ; ; ; ; ; - Bruce Bliven

Etymology

Borrowed from Scots dour, possibly from Latin dūrus (“hard, stern”), via Middle Irish dúr. Compare French dur, Catalan dur, Italian duro, Portuguese duro, Romanian dur, Spanish duro. Doublet of dure.

In classic literature

Synonyms

dogged, persistent, pertinacious, tenacious, unyielding

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