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Sourly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜–
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sourly

[หˆsaสŠษ™rli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

when describing the taste of something

In a sour manner, with a sharp taste that is acidic and unpleasant.

Synonyms

acridly, bitterly, tartly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sourly

Used to describe a sharp, unpleasant taste or a negative attitude, particularly when someone is reacting with displeasure or resentment.

  • She responded sourly to the criticism.
  • The milk tasted sourly after being left out overnight.
acridly

Describes a strong, harsh, and unpleasant taste or smell, often causing irritation or discomfort. Can also describe a biting or harsh remark.

  • He spoke acridly about his opponent's policies.
  • The acridly burning rubber made it hard to breathe.
tartly

Highlights a sharp or sour taste, often refreshing or pleasant. Can also describe speech that is sharp and somewhat critical but not necessarily with malice.

  • He answered the question tartly, with a hint of impatience.
  • The lemonade tasted tartly and quenched her thirst.
bitterly

Expresses strong feelings of anger, sadness, or regret, often in a resentful manner. Can also describe a sharp, disagreeable taste.

  • She bitterly recalled the events of that day.
  • The medicine tasted bitterly and made him wince.

Examples of usage

  • The lemonade was made sourly by adding too much citric acid.
  • She looked at him sourly, as if she had just tasted something very unpleasant.
Context #2 | Adverb

when describing someone's expression or tone

In a displeased or resentful manner, often displayed through facial expressions or voice tone.

Synonyms

grumpily, peevishly, testily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sourly

Used to describe a person's response or expression in a way that shows resentment or bad mood but in a subtle or restrained manner.

  • He sourly accepted the criticism and chose not to speak further.
  • She looked at him sourly, clearly unhappy with his decision.
grumpily

This word is best used when describing someone's behavior or words when they are obviously in a bad mood, often in the morning or due to inconvenience.

  • He grumpily shuffled out of bed, not looking forward to the day ahead.
  • She replied grumpily, 'Can't you see I'm busy?'
testily

Best suited for scenarios where a person responds in a sharp or impatient manner, usually due to irritation or frustration.

  • He answered testily, 'I've already told you twice!'
  • She looked at her watch and said testily, 'Weโ€™re running late.'
peevishly

Used to describe someone's irritable mood or response, often over something minor or trivial.

  • When asked to explain, he peevishly snapped back, 'It's obvious, isn't it?'
  • She peevishly complained about the slight delay in her flight.

Examples of usage

  • She responded sourly to his question, clearly irritated by it.
  • He looked at her sourly, his eyebrows furrowed in annoyance.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Expressions such as frowning or looking sour can signal to others that someone is feeling upset or displeased.
  • Body language often reveals emotions, and someone who behaves sourly may have a closed posture, indicating discomfort.
  • Research suggests that people often mimic the sour expressions of others, which can affect group dynamics and mood.

Pop Culture

  • In films and literature, characters who behave sourly often serve as the comic relief or โ€˜grumpyโ€™ counterpart to a more cheerful protagonist.
  • The phrase 'sour grapes' originated from a fable by Aesop, illustrating that people sometimes downplay what they can't have, akin to sour behavior.
  • In social media, 'sour' is frequently used to describe someone who is overly negative or critical, especially in comments or reviews.

Literature

  • Many authors portray characters as sour to evoke a sense of conflict or tension in their narratives.
  • Sour dispositions are often used symbolically in poetry to depict disappointment or life's harsher realities.
  • Classic literature often contrasts sour behavior with upbeat characters to highlight themes of hope and redemption.

Cultural Expressions

  • Idioms like 'sour mood' or 'sour grapes' highlight how different cultures interpret and verbalize feelings of disappointment or displeasure.
  • Different cultures may have varying expressions for sour moods, using local fruits or foods to convey similar meanings.
  • Sourness as an emotional state is often culturally linked to a lack of enthusiasm in collaborative environments, such as workplaces.

Origin of 'sourly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sourly' originates from the Old English word 'sลซr', which has roots in Proto-Germanic, meaning bitter or pungent.
  • The suffix '-ly' is commonly added to adjectives in English to form adverbs, indicating the manner of an action.
  • The direct connection between taste and expression shows how language evolves from physical sensations to emotional responses.

The word 'sourly' is derived from the Middle English word 'sour', which can be traced back to the Old English word 'sลซr'. The concept of sourness has been associated with unpleasantness or displeasure throughout history, leading to the development of the adverb 'sourly' to describe taste, expressions, or tones that convey a sense of acidity or bitterness.

See also: sour, source, sourness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,235, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.