Drabbier

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Showing a duller or more muted tone or color than something else
2. Having a more monotonous or cheerless appearance compared to another object or scene
3. Appearing less lively or vibrant when contrasted with a different, more colorful or bright example

Etymology: "Drabbier" is simply the comparative of "drabby," so it carries the same history as its base. "Drab" entered English as a word for a dull brownish-grey cloth, and the "-y" suffix, which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "having the quality of," was attached to it to make "drabby" meaning rather dull or lacking colour. Adding "-ier" to form the comparative follows the usual pattern for two-syllable adjectives ending in "-y", where the "y" becomes "i" before the ending, so "drabby" becomes "drabbier" when one thing is set against another.

Synonyms: duller, blander, more boring

Antonyms: livelier, more exciting