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Soured Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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soured

[หˆsaสŠษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

food spoilage

To soured means to have gone bad or to have a sour taste, usually referring to food items like milk or other dairy products that have fermented beyond their desirable state. It can also refer to a person's mood becoming unpleasant or irritable.

Synonyms

bittered, fermented, spoiled, tarnished.

Examples of usage

  • The milk has soured after being left out too long.
  • Her mood soured after hearing the bad news.
  • The cream soured, resulting in a tangy flavor.
  • He soured on the project after encountering too many obstacles.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Food Science

  • Many dairy products can become soured due to the action of bacteria, producing lactic acid and causing a change in flavor.
  • Souring is a vital process in making certain foods, such as yogurt and cheese, where controlled fermentation is intentionally used.
  • Fruits like sour cherries are appreciated for their tartness, showcasing a balance between sweetness and acidity.

Psychology

  • Soured relationships can refer to friendships or partnerships that have turned negative due to conflict or misunderstandings.
  • Negative emotions such as anger or disappointment can metaphorically 'sour' one's mood and influence thoughts.
  • In psychology, the idea of 'souring' can relate to cognitive biases, where individuals start to view past positive experiences negatively.

Art and Literature

  • The concept of something soured as a motif often appears in literature, symbolizing lost innocence or fractured relationships.
  • In art, bright and lively colors can contrast with darker, more 'soured' palettes to depict conflict or tension.
  • Poets frequently use soured imagery to evoke feelings of disappointment or longing in their works.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, the expression 'things soured' signals a major shift in tone, often following a period of happiness or contentment.
  • In music, songs often explore themes of love that has soured, illustrating how relationships evolve over time.
  • The phrase 'soured milk' is a common metaphor in storytelling, representing the decay of trust or affection among characters.

Origin of 'soured'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sour' comes from the Old English 'sลซor', which reflects the taste of fermented or acidic foods.
  • In earlier usage, it described both flavor and mood, indicating displeasure or unhappiness.
  • The transformation of the word has kept it closely tied to both bad tastes and negative emotions.

The word 'soured' comes from the verb 'sour,' which originates from the Old English word 'sลซr,' meaning 'sour' or 'bitter.' This term can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *sลซraz, which also means 'sour' or 'sour-tasting.' The evolution of the term reflects the various ways in which individuals have described the process of fermentation, spoilage, and the change in flavor profiles. Over time, the term has developed a broader metaphorical meaning, extending beyond food to describe a person's emotional state, indicating a shift from positivity to negativity. This expanded use captures the nuances of human interaction and emotional intelligence, making the word a versatile addition to the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,463, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.