Definition

More serious or urgent than something else; indicating a situation that is extremely bad or severe.

Example

The situation became direr as the storm approached the coast.

Conversation

Have you heard about the direr situation at the office?

Yeah, I read about it online; things are getting really tense.

I can't believe it got so much direr than just a few weeks ago.

I know, it feels like they need a serious plan to fix everything.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Direr is derived from the comparative form of the adjective "dire" (from Old French *dire*, meaning to say or tell). The suffix "-er" indicates a comparative degree. Thus, "direr" means more dire or more serious in nature.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dire' as something serious or urgent, and remember that 'direr' means more serious or more urgent.

Visually Confused Words