Langimage
English

dismally

|dis/mal/ly|

B2

/ˈdɪzməli/

(dismal)

gloomy or depressing

Base FormComparativeSuperlative
dismalmore dismalmost dismal
Etymology
Etymology Information

'dismal' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'dismal,' where 'dis-' meant 'bad' and 'mal' meant 'day.'

Historical Evolution

'dismal' changed from the Old French word 'dis mal' and eventually became the modern English word 'dismal.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'unlucky day,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'gloomy or depressing.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a gloomy or depressing manner.

The weather was dismally cold and wet.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45