Dowdy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dowdy

[ˈdaʊdi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

fashion

Lacking style or neatness; shabby in appearance.

Synonyms

drab, frumpy, shabby, unstylish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dowdy	This word is often used to describe someone or something that looks old-fashioned or lacks style. It can be used for clothing or appearance. She wore a dowdy dress that made her look much older than she was The room had a dowdy appearance with outdated furniture
shabby	Shabby is used to describe something that is in poor condition due to wear and tear. It can apply to clothing, objects, or even places. The old coat was shabby with frayed edges and patches They lived in a shabby apartment that clearly needed repairs
frumpy	Frumpy is typically used to describe someone, especially a woman, whose clothing and appearance are seen as unattractive or unflattering. It often implies a lack of fashion awareness. She felt frumpy in the baggy, unshapely dress His grandmother dressed in a frumpy manner, wearing outdated and oversized clothes
drab	Drab is used to describe something dull, lacking color, or cheerfulness. It can refer to clothes, surroundings, or even someone's mood. The office looked so drab with its gray walls and minimal decoration His outfit was drab, consisting of nothing but brown and gray tones
unstylish	Unstylish is a straightforward term to describe something or someone that lacks style or fashion sense. It is less harsh than 'dowdy' or 'frumpy'. His unstylish haircut did not suit his otherwise polished look She felt her shoes were a bit unstylish but comfortable

Examples of usage

She always wore dowdy clothes that were several sizes too big for her.
The old house looked dowdy compared to the modern buildings around it.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person

A person who is unfashionable or lacks style.

Synonyms

frump, slovenly dresser, unfashionable person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dowdy	Used to describe someone or something that is unattractive and outdated in appearance, but not necessarily dirty. She wore a dowdy dress that went out of style years ago The room looked dowdy with its old-fashioned decor
unfashionable person	Refers to someone who does not follow current fashion trends, but not necessarily in an untidy or careless way. He is an unfashionable person who prefers comfort over style Despite being an unfashionable person, she always dresses neatly
frump	Typically refers to a person, often a woman, who dresses in an old-fashioned or unattractive manner. Can carry a slightly negative connotation. She felt like a frump next to her stylish friends At the party, he mistook her for a wallflower due to her frumpy outfit
slovenly dresser	Describes someone who dresses in a messy, untidy, or careless manner. Generally has a negative meaning. John is known as a slovenly dresser; his shirts are always wrinkled and stained Her slovenly dressing style didn’t impress her boss

Examples of usage

She was considered a dowdy in the fashion industry for her outdated designs.
He was mocked by his classmates for being a dowdy and not following the latest trends.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

In the fashion world, 'dowdy' often contrasts with trends that emphasize modern, sleek designs, highlighting a divergence from current styles.
Fashion critics often use 'dowdy' to describe outfits that lack flair, creativity, or coherence, especially on red carpets.
Some designers aim to reimagine dowdy items by introducing vintage pieces that become trendy again, demonstrating cyclical fashion.

Psychology

Research shows that clothing can impact self-esteem and behavior. Wearing dowdy clothes might lead to feelings of lower self-worth.
Cognitive dissonance can occur if someone’s wardrobe is dowdy but their self-image is vibrant, causing internal conflict about their identity.
Societal judgments based on clothing choices mean that wearing dowdy outfits can lead to assumptions about a person's lifestyle or personality.

Literature

In classic literature, characters described as dowdy often symbolize restraint or a lack of ambition, paralleling their life choices and stories.
Dowdy characters in novels can serve as foils to more fashionable or vibrant characters, illustrating contrasts in personality or social status.
Literature from the 19th century often depicts dowdy clothing as a signifier of practicality and humility, valuing function over fashion.

Cultural Perception

Culturally, 'dowdy' often carries a negative connotation, equating lack of style with lack of sophistication or social awareness.
In some cultures, traditional clothing may be described as dowdy by outsiders, yet holds significant meaning and value within that culture.
The term 'dowdy' can reflect societal pressures on appearance, leading to an unhealthy focus on fashion conformity.

Origin of 'dowdy'

Main points about word origin

The word 'dowdy' comes from the Scottish term 'duddy,' which means ragged or shabby, showing its roots in describing poor clothing.
It was first used in the early 17th century, originally referring to clothing and later expanding to describe people’s appearance.
The word may also relate to the Middle English 'dode,' meaning dull, reflecting a lack of color or style.

The word 'dowdy' originated in the late 17th century, derived from the Middle English word 'doude', meaning 'unclean'. Over time, it evolved to describe someone who is untidy or not stylish in appearance.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,588 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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