dire
/ˈdaɪ̯ə(ɹ)/
adjective
🇬🇧 UK
/ˈdaɪ̯ə(ɹ)/
🇺🇸 US
/ˈdaɪ̯ə(ɹ)/
Meaning
-
Meaning 1 · adjective
Warning of bad consequences: ill-boding; portentous.
“dire omens”
-
Meaning 2 · adjective
Requiring action to prevent bad consequences: urgent, pressing.
“dire need”
-
Meaning 3 · adjective
Expressing bad consequences: dreadful; dismal
“dire consequences; to be in dire straits”
-
Meaning 4 · adjective
Bad in quality, awful, terrible.
How this word is used
- Everyday “dire omens”
- General “dire need”
- General “dire consequences; to be in dire straits”
Explain Like I'm New
AI explanations are generated and may differ from dictionary definitions.
Translate
Synonyms
Origin
Origin information unavailable.