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Frumpy vs Dowdy - What's the difference?

frumpy | dowdy |

As adjectives the difference between frumpy and dowdy

is that frumpy is dowdy, unkempt, or unfashionable while dowdy is plain and unfashionable in style or dress.

frumpy

English

Adjective

(er)
  • Dowdy, unkempt, or unfashionable.
    • She came to the door in a frumpy housedress and bedroom slippers.
  • (dated) Ill- or bad-tempered.

    • Related terms

    * frump * frumpily * frumpiness

    dowdy

    English

    Adjective

    (er)
  • Plain and unfashionable in style or dress.
  • Lacking stylishness or neatness; shabby.
  • * 1891,
    • [...she was] a perfect saint amongst women, but so dreadfully dowdy that she reminded one of a badly bound hymn-book.

    Derived terms

    * dowd * dowdify * dowdily * dowdiness