What does dourer mean?
Dourer is the comparative form of dour, an adjective describing someone who appears stern, gloomy, sullen, or forbidding. It is especially applicable to a facial expression, disposition, or social atmosphere that seems unfriendly or unyielding. The word often carries a critical or disapproving tone: describing someone as dour suggests that they are not warm, cheerful, or easy to engage with. For example, a negotiation may become difficult when one participant adopts a dourer expression, while a person's dourer mood may signal discomfort or displeasure. Because dour can imply both severity and sadness, it is more evocative than a simple word such as serious. It is also more readily associated with visible mood and demeanor, especially in descriptions of a grim face or austere manner.
adjectiveMore dour than something else; more stern, severe, gloomy, or unyielding.
- More stern, severe, or forbidding in manner.
- More gloomy, sullen, or uncheerful in appearance or disposition.
"Her dourer expression made the already tense meeting even more difficult."
"The old man became even dourer when questioned about the missing money."
"Her dourer mood disappeared as soon as she heard that the train would arrive early."
A person can be dour without saying a word: one grimace can make an entire room seem more severe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does dourer come from?
Dour descends through Scots from Old French dour, an adjective meaning dark, dull, or gloomy. Its modern sense of sternness and unyielding character developed through the idea of a dark or grim appearance. The closely related forms dourly and dourness continue that older association with a sombre or forbidding demeanor.
How dourer is actually used
Dour is usually negative and may describe a person's expression, manner, or outlook. The comparative form is chiefly used in comparisons, although it can stand alone when the context makes the comparison clear.
Easily confused with dourer
Dourer is the comparative form of the adjective dour, meaning stern or gloomy, whereas a dower is a widow's or bride's property or income.