gloomy dean

Friendly

The term "gloomy dean" refers to a specific person known for being pessimistic or negative, especially in the context of their sermons or writings. The phrase originates from the name of a real person, a clergyman who often expressed a gloomy view of life. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it better:

Definition:

• Gloomy Dean: A noun that describes a clergyman (a religious leader) who is known for their pessimistic views and sermons.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "gloomy dean" to describe someone who tends to focus on the negative aspects of life, especially in a religious or moral context.
• It is mostly used in a humorous or critical way.

Example:

• "The speaker at the event was a bit of a gloomy dean, always pointing out what was wrong with the world instead of what was good."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or discussions, "gloomy dean" can be used metaphorically to describe anyone who has a consistently negative outlook, not just clergymen.

Word Variants:

• There aren’t direct variants of "gloomy dean," but you might see it used in different contexts (e.g., "gloomy," "dean").

Different Meaning:

• While "gloomy dean" refers specifically to a pessimistic clergyman, "gloomy" on its own means dark or sad, and "dean" can refer to a senior official in a college or university.

Synonyms:

• For "gloomy": bleak, dreary, melancholic.
• For "dean" in a non-religious context: head, director, chief.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Idioms:
  • "Every cloud has a silver lining." (This means that even in bad situations, there can be something good.)
• Phrasal Verbs:
  • "Cheer up!" (To become happier or make someone else feel better.)

Summary:

In summary, "gloomy dean" is a specific term that describes a pessimistic clergyman. It can be used more broadly to refer to anyone with a negative outlook.

Academic

Noun

1. English prelate noted for his pessimistic sermons and articles (1860-1954)

Synonyms

• Inge
• William Ralph Inge
• Gloomy Dean