Dowdy Meaning and Definition
Dowdy
Pronunciation
/ˈdoʊdi/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person or thing regarded as unattractive, dull, or lacking in style or charm.
Examples
- Her dowdy outfit made her stand out in the crowd.
- The old car was a dowdy relic of the past.
- The dowdy hotel room was a far cry from the luxurious suite she expected.
- He was a dowdy guy who never bothered to dress up.
- The dowdy fashion seemed to lose its appeal over the years.
Synonyms
- Untractive
- Dull
- Lackluster
Antonyms
- Charming
- Sleek
- Fashionable
Additional Information
The term “dowdy” is often used to describe something that is lacking in style or charm, whether it’s a person, a fashion trend, or an object. It’s a word that implies a sense of dullness or boringness, and is often used to convey a sense of disappointment or disillusionment. Despite its negative connotations, “dowdy” is a word that is used frequently in everyday language, and is often used to describe things that are considered unattractive or uninteresting.
Etymology
The word “dowdy” has its roots in the 17th century, when it was used to describe something that was considered dull or uninteresting. The word is believed to have originated from the Old English word “doddi”, which meant “dull” or “uninteresting”. Over time, the word “dowdy” has evolved to include a broader range of meanings, including “unattractive” and “lacking in style or charm”.
Usage Notes
“Dowdy” is often used as a noun to describe a person, thing, or situation that is considered unattractive or uninteresting. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something that lacks style or charm. When using “dowdy”, it’s important to be mindful of the context in which you’re using the word, as it can have different connotations depending on the situation.
Cultural References
“Dowdy” has appeared in a number of cultural references over the years, including literature, film, and music. For example, in the novel “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, the protagonist Esther Greenwood is described as being “dowdy” as a way of highlighting her growing disillusionment with society. Similarly, in the film “Blue Velvet”, the character Dorothy Vallens is described as being “dowdy” in a scene where her beauty is contrasted with her true nature.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Dowdy and faded
- Looking dowdy
- Faded and dowdy
Related Words or Phrases
- Unattractive
- Dull
- Lackluster
- Faded
Collocations
- Dowdy fashion
- Dowdy outfit
- Dowdy apartment
Frequency of Use
“Dowdy” is a relatively rare word in modern language, but it is still used frequently in certain contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, “dowdy” is used an average of less than 10 times per million words.
Common Misspellings
- Dowdy
- Gerbera