sullen

§EtymologyEdit

From Middle English solein, from Anglo-Norman solein (“alone”), from sole (“single, sole, alone”), from Latin sōlus (“by oneself alone”). The change in meaning from "single" to morose occurred in Middle English.

§PronunciationEdit

• enPR: sŭl'ən

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ʌlən

§AdjectiveEdit

sullen (comparative sullener, superlative sullenest)

1. Having a brooding ill temper; sulky.
   • Prior

     And sullen I forsook the imperfect feast.

2. Gloomy; dismal; foreboding.
   • 1593, William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, IV. v. 88:

     Our solemn hymns to sullen dirges change;

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Milton to this entry?)

3. Sluggish; slow.
   • Sir Walter Scott

     The larger stream was placid, and even sullen, in its course.

4. (obsolete) Lonely; solitary; desolate.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Wyclif Bible (Job iii. 14) to this entry?)

5. (obsolete) Mischievous; malignant; unpropitious.
   • Dryden

     Such sullen planets at my birth did shine.

6. (obsolete) Obstinate; intractable.
   • Tillotson

     Things are as sullen as we are.

§SynonymsEdit

• sulky, morose

§AntonymsEdit

• cheerful
• content
• lighthearted
• pleased

§TranslationsEdit

§NounEdit

sullen (plural sullens)

1. (obsolete) One who is solitary, or lives alone; a hermit.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Piers Plowman to this entry?)

2. Sullen feelings or manners; sulks; moroseness.

   to have the sullens

   • 1593, William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King Richard the Second, II. i. 139:

     And let them die that age and sullens have;