What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
morose
Example
After the breakup, he became morose and stopped going out with friends. [morose: adjective]
Example
The morose weather matched her somber mood. [morose: adjective]
dour
Example
The dour teacher never smiled and was feared by his students. [dour: adjective]
Example
The dour expression on his face made it clear he was not in the mood for jokes. [dour: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Morose is less common than dour in everyday language. Dour is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while morose is more specific and less frequently used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between morose and dour?
Both morose and dour are formal words that are typically used in serious or literary contexts. However, dour is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while morose is less commonly used and may sound overly formal in some situations.
