Basic Details
Word: Dingy
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Something that is dark, dirty, or shabby; it looks old and not well-kept.
Synonyms: Gloomy, shabby, dreary
Antonyms: Bright, clean, cheerful
Idioms and Phrases
- In a dingy place: Referring to a location that is dark and uninviting. Example: "They found an old, broken watch in that dingy place down the street."
- Dingy as a rat: Used to describe something or someone that appears dirty or unkempt. Example: "His clothes were dingy as a rat after playing in the muddy field."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The dingy room was filled with old furniture and had very little light coming in from the windows.
Example 2: After the heavy rain, the once bright garden looked dingy and muddy.
Example 3: The dingy alley behind the shop smelled terrible and was littered with rubbish.
Fun Fact
Interestingly, the word "dingy" comes from the obsolete term "dinge," which means to make dirty. It has been used in the English language since the late 17th century!
Famous Quote
"The soul is dyed the colour of its thoughts." Marcus Aurelius. This reminds us that our surroundings, like dingy places, can affect our feelings and thoughts.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "dingy" mean?
a) Very bright and colourful
b) Dark, dirty, or shabby
c) Very tall and big
d) Clean and tidy
Answer: b) Dark, dirty, or shabby
2. Which of these is a synonym of "dingy"?
a) Bright
b) Gloomy
c) Joyful
d) Sparkly
Answer: b) Gloomy
3. Which of these is an antonym of "dingy"?
a) Shabby
b) Dreary
c) Bright
d) Gloomy
Answer: c) Bright
4. Which sentence uses "dingy" correctly?
a) The dingy sun was shining brightly in the sky.
b) The dingy walls needed a fresh coat of paint.
c) She felt dingy after taking a long shower.
d) The dingy flower bloomed in the garden.
Answer: b) The dingy walls needed a fresh coat of paint.
5. Which idiom refers to a dingy location?
a) In a dingy place
b) A rainbow after the rain
c) On cloud nine
d) As bright as a button
Answer: a) In a dingy place
