Dowdy

Pronunciation: /ˈdaʊdi/

Definitions of dowdy

adjective lacking in stylishness or neatness; shabby in appearance

Example Sentences

A1 She wore a dowdy dress to the party.

A2 The old house looked dowdy and neglected.

B1 The dowdy furniture in the waiting room made it feel unwelcoming.

B2 Despite her dowdy appearance, she had a sharp wit and intelligence.

C1 The dowdy interior of the restaurant clashed with its trendy menu.

C2 The dowdy exterior of the building belied the luxurious apartments inside.

Examples of dowdy in a Sentence

formal The dowdy attire of the librarian did not reflect her vibrant personality.

informal She felt dowdy in her old sweatpants and oversized t-shirt.

slang I can't believe she wore that dowdy outfit to the party.

figurative The once vibrant neighborhood had become dowdy and neglected over the years.

Grammatical Forms of dowdy

• past tense: dowdied
• plural: dowdies
• comparative: dowdier
• superlative: dowdiest
• present tense: dowdies
• future tense: will dowdy
• perfect tense: have dowdied
• continuous tense: is dowdying
• singular: dowdy
• positive degree: dowdy
• infinitive: to dowdy
• gerund: dowdying
• participle: dowdied

Origin and Evolution of dowdy

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'dowdy' originated in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'dudda' meaning rag or tattered clothing.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'dowdy' evolved from simply meaning ragged or shabby in appearance to also encompassing a lack of style or elegance in a person's demeanor or clothing.