Words / C1

DOOR/dʊə/

Dour means stern, gloomy, and unfriendly in manner: a dour expression, a dour door-check. Stern is everyday; a dry face at the fire door is still a log, not a styling note.

Meaning

Stern, gloomy, and unfriendly in manner.

Examples

• “A dour door-check is still a fire log, not a styling note.”
• “Stern is everyday. Gloomy is the mood twin. Styling is a mood board. A dated check is a certificate. Log the door; then warm the lighting if the inspector still allows it.”

Good to know

Stern and gloomy. Everyday: stern. Styling ≠ a fire log.

Near in meaning

stern, gloomy, sullen

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