Dullsome

/ˈdʌlsəm/ adjective

Definition

Archaic or dialect word meaning somewhat dull, tedious, or tiresome.

Etymology

From 'dull' + '-some' (suffix meaning 'characterized by'). The '-some' suffix (as in 'awesome,' 'fearsome') has Germanic roots and creates adjectives from nouns or verbs.

Kelly Says

The '-some' suffix creates adjectives that sound old-fashioned now—'dullsome,' 'fearsome,' 'tiresome' sound Shakespearean to modern ears, which is exactly when they were most popular!

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