Sullen

Pronunciation

• enPR: sÅ­l'É™n
• Rhymes: -ÊŒlÉ™n

Origin

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.

Full definition of sullen

Adjective

1. Having a brooding ill temper; sulky.
• PriorAnd sullen I forsook the imperfect feast.
2. Gloomy; dismal; foreboding.
• 1593, William Shakespeare, , IV. v. 88:Our solemn hymns to sullen dirges change;
3. Sluggish; slow.
• Sir Walter ScottThe larger stream was placid, and even sullen, in its course.
4. (obsolete) Lonely; solitary; desolate.
5. (obsolete) Mischievous; malignant; unpropitious.
• DrydenSuch sullen planets at my birth did shine.
6. (obsolete) Obstinate; intractable.
• TillotsonThings are as sullen as we are.

Synonyms

• sulky, morose

Antonyms

• cheerful
• content
• lighthearted
• pleased

Noun

1. (obsolete) One who is solitary, or lives alone; a hermit.
2. Sullen feelings or manners; sulks; moroseness.to have the sullens
• 1593, William Shakespeare, , II. i. 139:And let them die that age and sullens have;