Dreary
/ˈdrɪri/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Dreary means something that is not interesting or exciting and often makes people feel unhappy or tired. It can describe weather, places, days, or moods that feel dull, gray, or depressing.
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See It in Action
Describing weather or environment that is dull and gloomy
- •The sky was dreary and gray all day.
- •We stayed inside because of the dreary rain.
- •The town looked dreary in the cold winter.
Describing feelings or situations that are boring and sad
- •His speech was so dreary that many people fell asleep.
- •She felt dreary after working long hours without a break.
- •The movie was dreary and did not keep my attention.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "dreary" like "boring" (A1 word), but with a sad or tired feeling added—it's not just dull, it makes you feel low
- ✓Picture a gray, rainy day with no sun, and everything looks wet and cold—that's a dreary day
- ✓It's the feeling when you have to do something you don’t like for a long time and it makes you feel tired and unhappy
- ✓Sounds like "dreary" → imagine a "dry" and "weary" (tired) day with no fun or color
- ✓Think of a rainy Monday morning when you want to stay in bed because everything feels slow and sad
- ✓NOT like "happy" (bright and joyful), "dreary" is dark and sad
- ✓NOT like "exciting" (full of energy), "dreary" is slow and dull
- ✓NOT like "quiet" (no sound), "dreary" usually means dull and sad, not just silent
Try Other Words
- •Gloomy: dark and sad (Use when describing dark weather or mood)
- •Dull: not bright or interesting (Use when something is plain or not exciting)
- •Bleak: cold and without hope (Use when something feels empty and sad)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; "drear" is an old word meaning sad or dull, with "-y" making it an adjective
- •Etymology: From Old English "drēorig," meaning sorrowful or sad
- •Historical development: Used since Middle Ages to describe sadness or dullness in weather or mood
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe days, weather, places, or moods that feel boring and sad
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when the weather made you feel dreary? How did it affect your day?
•How can people change a dreary situation into a more cheerful one?
Fill in the blanks
1.The sky was ___ and gray, making everyone feel cold and tired inside.
2.After a long, ___ day at work, she just wanted to rest and forget everything.
3.Unlike a sunny day, a dreary day often makes people feel ___ or sad.
4.The movie was so ___ that many people left the theater early.
5.He spoke in a ___ voice, which made the story less interesting to listen to.
6.When the weather is ___, people usually prefer to stay indoors and relax.
7.A ___ room with no colors or lights can make you feel lonely or bored.