I've struggled with this word for about 2 years (no joke). Every time I see it, I look it up, kind of understand what it means in that context, and then gleefully forget.
Please help me understand the origin and meaning.
Tell me more
×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for
linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
|
|
||||
|
|
|
Probably the best way to describe dismal is as the opposite of cheerful. A grey rainy day is dismal, whereas a bright sunny day is cheerful. It can also mean poor quality: 'Football Team United's performance was dismal!' It comes from the Latin dies mali 'evil days', via French. |
|||
|
|
