English

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

Pronunciation
IPA|/�da�di/
SAMPA|/"daUdi/
AHD|/dou'd�/
:*Rhymes: Rhymes:English:-a�di|-a�di

Adjective
en-adj|dowdier|dowdiest

1. plain|Plain and unfashionable in style or dress.
2. Lacking stylishness or neatness; shabby.

#*1891, s:Author:Oscar Wilde|Oscar Wilde, s:The_Picture_of_Dorian_Gray_(1891)/Chapter_3|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.

Derived terms
dowdify
dowdily
dowdiness

io:dowdy
te:dowdy
vi:dowdy
zh:dowdy

• 2007-10-01 00:50 - UllmannBot - iwiki +te

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