Definition

In a way that is unfashionable or shabby in appearance.

Example

She dressed dowdily for the party, wearing an old sweater and faded jeans.

Conversation

I saw her outfit today, and it looked a bit dowdily put together.

Really? I thought she usually has a good sense of style.

Yeah, but today it just seemed off and kind of outdated.

Maybe she was having an off day; we all have those sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dowdily → The word 'dowdily' is derived from 'dowdy' (from Middle English *doudy*, meaning shabby or unkempt) with the addition of the adverbial suffix '-ly' (meaning in a manner of). Thus, 'dowdily' means in a shabby or unkempt manner.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dowdy' as describing something shabby or unkempt, and remember that 'dowdily' means doing something in that shabby way.

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