Added 6 October 2026
dire
/ˈdaɪ̯ə(ɹ)/ adjective
In Latin: dīrus Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about dire at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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Warning of bad consequences: ill-boding; portentous.
dire omens
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Requiring action to prevent bad consequences: urgent, pressing.
dire need (of)
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Expressing bad consequences: dreadful; dismal.
dire consequences; to be in dire straits
Origin
Borrowed from Latin dīrus (“fearful, ominous”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)