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Drearily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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drearily

[ˈdrɪərɪli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe something done in a dull and boring way

Done in a dreary manner; without spirit or cheer; with a lack of interest or enthusiasm. Dull and monotonous in tone or quality. Lacking in liveliness or interest; tediously dull.

Synonyms

dully, monotonously, tediously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
drearily

Use this when describing something that feels depressing or lacking in excitement, often giving a sense of sadness or gloom.

  • The rain fell drearily, mirroring her somber mood

Examples of usage

  • They sat drearily in the waiting room, staring at the clock.
  • She spoke drearily about the upcoming meeting, clearly not looking forward to it.
  • The rain fell drearily outside, adding to the gloomy atmosphere.
  • The teacher's voice droned drearily on, putting the students to sleep.
  • The movie was so dreary that I couldn't stay awake through it.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Charles Dickens' works, dreary settings often emphasize the struggles of the characters and their difficult lives.
  • Many poets, like Edgar Allan Poe, used dreary imagery to enhance themes of sorrow and loss in their poems.
  • Classic novels use dreary descriptions to convey the mood of the story; for example, rainy days often reflect a character's sadness.

Psychology

  • Feeling drearily for extended periods can be linked to depression, where individuals often struggle to find joy in daily activities.
  • The 'affect' of a dreary mood can impact social interactions, making it harder for people to connect and engage with others.
  • Research has shown that environments described as dreary can lead to decreased motivation and increased cognitive fatigue.

Pop Culture

  • Films that feature dreary settings often highlight characters' internal conflicts, such as in 'A Clockwork Orange' which presents grim futures.
  • Songs describing dreary feelings often resonate deeply with listeners, like 'The Sound of Silence' by Simon & Garfunkel portraying loneliness.
  • Dreary themes appear frequently in gothic literature and horror films, creating a sense of foreboding and sadness.

Origin of 'drearily'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Drearily' comes from 'dreary', which originally meant something that caused fear or was drear from Old English origin.
  • The suffix '-ly' is added to adjectives in English to turn them into adverbs, allowing us to describe how something is done.
  • 'Dreary' itself has been in use since the early 14th century, showcasing a long history of expressing gloominess.

The word 'drearily' originated from the Middle English word 'dreri,' meaning sad or sorrowful. Over time, it evolved to describe something done in a dull and boring way, lacking spirit or cheer. The adverb 'drearily' has been used in English language to convey a sense of monotony and lack of enthusiasm since the 14th century.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,650 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.