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.
   • Shakespeare

     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

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