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Surly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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surly

[ˈsɜːrli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

attitude

bad-tempered and unfriendly

Synonyms

grouchy, grumpy, moody, sullen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surly

Use when someone is unfriendly and has a rude attitude, often in a way that seems uncaring or bad-tempered.

  • The surly waiter almost spoiled our evening with his negative attitude
  • She gave a surly response when asked about her day
grumpy

Suitable for when someone is easily annoyed or complaining, often used in a lighter, sometimes affectionate way.

  • Don't mind him, he's just a little grumpy in the mornings
  • The grumpy old man complained about the children making noise
sullen

Use to describe someone who is quietly resentful or gloomy, often after being offended or annoyed. It typically has a more serious tone.

  • After the argument, she sat in the corner, sullen and unresponsive
  • His sullen demeanor made it clear that he was upset
moody

Best used for describing someone whose mood changes frequently and unexpectedly, often without a clear reason.

  • Lately, she's been very moody and hard to predict
  • He's a moody teenager, happy one moment and upset the next
grouchy

Appropriate for describing someone who is irritable or in a bad mood, typically because they are tired or uncomfortable.

  • He gets grouchy when he doesn't get enough sleep
  • The long flights often leave her feeling grouchy

Examples of usage

  • He gave me a surly look.
  • She responded in a surly manner.
  • Don't be so surly with your coworkers.
  • The customer service representative was surly and unhelpful.
  • The surly attitude of the boss made the employees uncomfortable.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

dark or dismal in appearance

Synonyms

dismal, dreary, gloomy, sullen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surly

This word is best used to describe a person's behavior or attitude when they are unfriendly, rude, or bad-tempered. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • The surly waiter slammed our drinks onto the table without saying a word.
  • After losing the game, he became surly and refused to talk to anyone.
gloomy

This word is commonly used when describing environments or moods that are dark, sad, or filled with despair. It can describe both physical darkness and emotional heaviness.

  • The room felt gloomy with its dim light and overcast sky outside.
  • He felt gloomy after hearing the bad news.
dreary

This word is appropriate for describing situations, places, or events that are dull, bleak, and lifeless, often causing feelings of boredom or depression.

  • The office was a dreary place with its gray walls and harsh lighting.
  • She found the lecture so dreary that she could hardly stay awake.
sullen

This word is often used to describe a person's silent resentment or a gloomy, sulky mood. It has a negative connotation and suggests an underlying anger or bitterness.

  • She was sullen all evening after the argument with her friend.
  • The sullen teenager glared at his parents without saying a word.
dismal

This word fits situations or conditions that are depressing, gloomy, or cheerless. It can describe both physical surroundings and emotional states.

  • The weather was dismal, with rain pouring down and dark clouds overhead.
  • His performance in the exam was dismal, scoring much lower than he expected.

Examples of usage

  • The surly clouds signaled an approaching storm.
  • The old house had a surly, neglected look about it.

Translations

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

Origin of 'surly'

The word 'surly' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'sur,' meaning 'sour.' The term evolved over time to describe someone who is bad-tempered or unfriendly. It has been used in English literature for centuries to depict characters with a gloomy or hostile demeanor.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,139, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.