sullen — bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsʌlən/
Example Sentences
- After losing the game, Tom sat in sullen silence, refusing to talk to anyone.
- My cat gives me a sullen look every time I refuse to give her treats.
- The sullen weather matched his gloomy mood perfectly.
sullen
ADJECTIVE[/ˈsʌlən/]
bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy
The boy sat sullen in the corner after losing his favorite toy.
Sullen heart where pollen has fallen
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'solain' meaning 'alone' or 'lonely', which derives from Latin 'solus' meaning 'alone'. The word evolved to mean withdrawn and moody, then later bad-tempered and gloomy.
Breakdown
sul- (from Old French 'sol-', Latin 'solus' meaning alone) + -len (suffix indicating a state or quality) = sullen (prone to being alone/withdrawn, gloomy)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After losing the game, Tom sat in sullen silence, refusing to talk to anyone.”
“My cat gives me a sullen look every time I refuse to give her treats.”
“The sullen weather matched his gloomy mood perfectly.”
“She responded to criticism with a sullen 'whatever' and stormed out.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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