“Drear” is an old-fashioned word that means dull, gloomy, or bleak—something that feels dark, cold, and cheerless.
People rarely use it in casual conversation today, but you might still spot it in poetry, literature, or song lyrics when someone wants to paint a moody picture. Imagine a grey winter day with no sunshine and endless rain: someone might call it “a drear afternoon” to capture that heavy, lifeless feeling.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- The village looked drear under the heavy fog.
- His voice carried a drear tone after hearing the bad news.
- We stayed inside because the day was so drear and wet.
Context / Common Use
Modern writers and songwriters sometimes choose “drear” instead of “gloomy” for its poetic sound. It fits best in descriptions of weather, landscapes, or moods that feel oppressively sad. In everyday speech, you’re more likely to hear “bleak,” “depressing,” or simply “gloomy.”
Is “drear” still used in modern English?
It’s uncommon. Most people use “gloomy” or “depressing,” but “drear” survives in creative writing and classic literature.
Can “drear” describe a person?
Yes, if you want to show someone feels or looks lifeless and down, as in “a drear expression on his face.”
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