Definition of dour

The word "dour" is an English adjective that describes a person as being serious, grim, and uncommunicative to the point of appearing sour or unfriendly. Its origin can be traced back to the Old French word "dur," which meant "hard" or "strict," signifying someone who displays a stern and unyielding demeanor. The Middle English translation of the Old French word was "dour" or "dur," but over time, the spelling "dour" became more commonly used in English. The etymology of the word demonstrates its evolution from a description of someone's hard and inflexible nature into a term denoting an unapproachable and dour character. Today, "dour" continues to be used in English literature and spoken language, most notably as a descriptive term in fiction and other literary works to depict dark, brooding, or somber characters.