The word "dreary" is spelled as /ˈdrɪəri/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "d" sound is followed by the "r" sound which is pronounced by flipping the tongue up towards the roof of the mouth. The "e" is pronounced as a short "eh" vowel sound, and the "a" is pronounced as a long "air" vowel sound. The final "ry" is pronounced as a consonant followed by a vowel sound, with the stress on the second syllable. Overall, the word "dreary" sounds melancholic and dull.
Dreary is an adjective that describes something as gloomy, dull, or lacking in liveliness. It refers to a state or atmosphere that is dull, cheerless, or monotonous, often evoking feelings of sadness, boredom, or weariness. A dreary place or situation lacks vitality or interest, making it mundane or tiresome to be in or experience.
A dreary day usually implies a lack of sunshine, with overcast skies or continuous rain leading to a sense of dismal or depressing weather conditions. Similarly, a dreary room or building may lack natural light, have plain and unattractive décor, or feel cold and uninviting.
Dreary can also describe moods or emotions, indicating a sense of sadness, desolation, or apathy. It reflects feelings of listlessness, boredom, or unhappiness that could result from monotonous routines, unfulfilling circumstances, or lack of stimulation.
In literature or descriptions, dreariness is commonly associated with desolate landscapes, abandoned places, or bleak settings that evoke a sense of melancholy or hopelessness. It can also describe characters or personalities that lack vitality, enthusiasm, or joy, projecting a somber or dispirited demeanor.
Overall, dreary is an adjective used to describe something that is boring, cheerless, or lacking in interest, making it unappealing or likely to provoke feelings of sadness or fatigue.
Dismal; gloomy with solitude.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "dreary" originated from the Middle English term "drey", which means sorrowful or sad. It can be traced back to the Old English word "dreorig", which carries a similar meaning. The term developed from the Proto-Germanic root "dreuzan", meaning "to fall", suggesting a sense of decline or melancholy associated with the word. Over time, "dreary" came to refer to something that is dull, gloomy, or lacking in interest, which is the meaning it carries today.