dowdy
/ˈdaʊdi/
Group 29Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Unfashionable and without style in appearance GRE
Example in Context
The once-dowdy neighborhood had been transformed by an influx of galleries and restaurants into one of the city's trendiest destinations.
Synonyms
frumpydrabunfashionable
Etymology
Looking like you're dressed in dull, outdated clothing.
- dow (English) — dull
- dy (English) — like
Memory Aid
🦙Sounds like “downy”
Wearing a DOWNY sheep costume at a fashion show — looking utterly DOWDY!
Visual Association
👗A frumpy person in a baggy, outdated outfit surrounded by stylish models.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “dowdy” mean on the GRE?
dowdy (adjective) means “Unfashionable and without style in appearance”. The once-dowdy neighborhood had been transformed by an influx of galleries and restaurants into one of the city's trendiest destinations.
How to remember “dowdy” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “dowdy” sounds like “downy”. Wearing a DOWNY sheep costume at a fashion show — looking utterly DOWDY!
What are synonyms for “dowdy”?
Common synonyms: frumpy, drab, unfashionable.