lour
C2/RareLiterary, formal, poetic
Definition
Meaning
(verb) To look angry or sullen; to frown, scowl; (of the sky/weather) to look dark and threatening.
To show displeasure, hostility, or menace; to lower or be dark and threatening.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary use is metaphorical, describing both human expressions and atmospheric conditions suggesting impending trouble. Often used in descriptive or narrative contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'lour' is used in both varieties but is universally rare. The alternative spelling 'lower' (for the verb with the same meaning) is more common in modern British English, while 'lour' is the standard dictionary headword.
Connotations
Equally archaic/literary in both. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British literary texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject: person/face] + lour (+ at/on/upon + [object])[Subject: sky/clouds] + lourVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “louring clouds (of war/discontent)”
- “a louring brow”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in literary analysis or historical texts.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The sky began to lour, promising another afternoon of rain.
- He would lour at anyone who disturbed his reading.
American English
- Dark clouds loured over the mountain pass.
- The principal loured at the students from the doorway.
adverb
British English
- He stared louringly across the room. (Extremely rare formation)
adjective
British English
- The louring skies matched his gloomy mood. (Note: 'louring' is the present participle used adjectivally)
American English
- They hurried home under a louring, iron-grey sky.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old man would often lour at children playing near his fence.
- As the negotiations stalled, a louring silence fell over the conference room, thick with unspoken threats.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sour person making you 'lower' your head because they 'lour' at you. Or, 'lour' rhymes with 'sour' – a sour look is a louring look.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD WEATHER IS ANGER (The louring sky is like a scowling face).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'lower' meaning 'more low' (ниже). The verb 'to lower' (опускать) is a different word, though 'lour' is sometimes spelled 'lower'.
- The primary sense is closer to 'хмуриться' (for a person) or 'хмуриться, нависать' (for clouds) than to general words for 'look'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in spoken English.
- Confusing it with the adjective 'lower' (comparative of low).
- Misspelling as 'lower' when the literary verb form 'lour' is intended.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'lour' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the verb meaning 'to frown or look dark/threatening', 'lour' and 'lower' are variants. 'Lour' is the standard dictionary headword, but 'lower' is a common spelling, especially in British English. They are pronounced the same. Do not confuse this with the verb 'to lower' meaning to make something descend.
No, it is a literary and archaic word. Using it in everyday conversation would sound very odd and pretentious. Use 'frown', 'scowl', or 'look threatening' instead.
They are close synonyms. 'Glower' often implies a more intense, fixed stare of anger, while 'lour' can be slightly broader, encompassing sullenness or atmospheric menace. 'Lour' is also more literary.
No, its classic use is dual: it can describe a person's scowling expression or the sky/weather appearing dark and stormy. The weather use is a metaphorical extension of the human expression.