How the Latin language influenced English with the word 'dire'

'Dire' is a word borrowed from Latin 'dire'. The word entered the English language some time around 1565.

dire [adjective] [1565]

• horror
• dismal
• warning of disaster
• desperately urgent

Meaning: exciting horror dire suffering; dismal oppressive dire days; warning of disaster a dire forecast.

Etymology: Latin dirus; akin to Greek deinos terrifying; Sanskrit dvesti he hates.

Topics: Society:Culture.

Origin: From Latin to English.

note: Borrowed from Latin dirus (fearful/awful/boding ill). It is of uncertain origin perhaps related to the Greek deinos (terrible as in dinosaur) or Sanskrit dvis- (hatred). It was historically used as a religious term in Latin.

See 'dire' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Latin.

See more loan words from 1500s.