Definition

Feeling or showing a gloomy or bad mood; often silent and withdrawn.

Example

After hearing the bad news, he sat in a sullen silence.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Hey, why do you look so sullen today?

I don't know, just feeling a bit off, I guess.

Maybe it's the weather; it has been pretty gray and sullen lately.

Yeah, that definitely doesn't help my mood.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sullen → It originates from the Old English word 'solen', meaning gloomy or morose. The word describes a state of being silently ill-humored or sulky.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word 'solen' which means gloomy — this helps you remember that 'sullen' describes someone who is in a gloomy or sulky mood.

Visually Confused Words