dowdy

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Derived terms 1.3.2 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Late 16th century. Origin uncertain: probably literally “little poorly dressed woman,” formed from doue “poorly dressed woman.”

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK, US) enPR: dou'dē, IPA: /ˈdaʊdi/, SAMPA: /"daUdi/

• Rhymes: -aʊdi

[edit] Adjective

dowdy (comparative dowdier, superlative dowdiest)

1. Plain and unfashionable in style or dress.
2. Lacking stylishness or neatness; shabby.
   • 1891, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

     [...she was] a perfect saint amongst women, but so dreadfully dowdy that she reminded one of a badly bound hymn-book.

[edit] Derived terms

• dowdify
• dowdily
• dowdiness

[edit] Translations