How Do You Spell LOUR?

Pronunciation: [lˈɜː] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "lour" might seem odd to some people, but it actually follows a common rule in English orthography. The word derives from the Old French "lor," which was pronounced with a silent "u" and a nasal vowel. Over time, the vowel evolved into the rounded sound represented by the letter "ou." The resulting word is spelled with a "ou" but pronounced with a single vowel sound, as in the IPA transcription /laʊə/. So, despite its unusual appearance, "lour" is just another example of English spelling conventions at work.

LOUR Meaning and Definition

  1. The verb "lour" is often used to describe a facial expression or an atmospheric condition.

    As a facial expression, "lour" refers to a menacing or angry facial expression characterized by a dark or sullen expression, typically with lowered brows. It conveys an intense and brooding mood that can express disapproval, displeasure, or dissatisfaction. For example, a person may lour upon hearing bad news or in response to a perceived injustice.

    In terms of atmospheric conditions, "lour" is used to describe the heavy, dark, and oppressive appearance of the sky or weather. It specifically refers to a gloomy and threatening appearance, often associated with an impending storm or bad weather. The sky may lour with dark clouds, indicating imminent rain or thunderstorms.

    Furthermore, "lour" can also be used figuratively to describe a general atmosphere of gloom, darkness, or foreboding in a situation or a person's demeanor. It can evoke feelings of discomfort, trepidation, or unease.

    Overall, "lour" is a versatile verb that encompasses a range of meanings, including a menacing or angry facial expression, a heavy and threatening appearance of the sky or weather, and a general atmosphere of gloom or foreboding.

  2. • See lower 2.
    • To look sour or grim; to begin to be overcast with clouds; to appear dark, gloomy, or threatening-applied to the weather, or to the countenance; to look sullen or angry.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LOUR

Etymology of LOUR

The word "lour" derives from Middle English "louren" which is believed to have originated from the Old French word "loher" meaning "to frown", "to scowl", or "to lower". The Old French word can be traced back to the Latin word "lurare" meaning "to frown" or "to lurk". The term "lour" has been used since Middle English and refers to a gloomy or threatening expression, particularly in the context of facial expression or the weather.

Similar spelling words for LOUR

Plural form of LOUR is LOURS

Conjugate verb Lour

CONDITIONAL

I would lour
you would lour
he/she/it would lour
we would lour
they would lour

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be louring
you would be louring
he/she/it would be louring
we would be louring
they would be louring

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have lour
you would have lour
he/she/it would have lour
we would have lour
they would have lour

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been louring
you would have been louring
he/she/it would have been louring
we would have been louring
they would have been louring

FUTURE

I will lour
you will lour
he/she/it will lour
we will lour
they will lour

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be louring
you will be louring
he/she/it will be louring
we will be louring
they will be louring

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have loured
you will have loured
he/she/it will have loured
we will have loured
they will have loured

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been louring
you will have been louring
he/she/it will have been louring
we will have been louring
they will have been louring

IMPERATIVE

you lour
we let´s lour

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to lour

PAST

I loured
you loured
he/she/it loured
we loured
they loured

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was louring
you were louring
he/she/it was louring
we were louring
they were louring

PAST PARTICIPLE

loured

PAST PERFECT

I had loured
you had loured
he/she/it had loured
we had loured
they had loured

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been louring
you had been louring
he/she/it had been louring
we had been louring
they had been louring

PRESENT

I lour
you lour
he/she/it lours
we lour
they lour

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am louring
you are louring
he/she/it is louring
we are louring
they are louring

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

louring

PRESENT PERFECT

I have loured
you have loured
he/she/it has loured
we have loured
they have loured

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been louring
you have been louring
he/she/it has been louring
we have been louring
they have been louring

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