morose
muh-ROHS
/məˈroʊs/
Sullen, gloomy, and ill-tempered in disposition.
Combines deep melancholy with unsociable, moody irritability.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin mos, moris (manner or habit), morosus originally meant sticking stubbornly to one's own eccentric habits. Because eccentric recluses often seemed sour to outsiders, the meaning gradually shifted in late Middle English to describe someone who is chronically sullen and ill-humored.
Word relationships
- sullen: Sullen emphasizes silent resentment, while morose emphasizes lingering, gloomy ill humor.
- glum: Glum is less formal and describes quiet dejection, while morose is darker and sourer.
- cheerful: Cheerful means bright, pleasant, and good-humored.
- gregarious: Gregarious describes someone sociable and fond of company.
Commonly confused with
- verbose: Verbose means using too many words, whereas morose means sullenly quiet.
Word family
- morosely (adverb): In a sullen and gloomy manner.
- moroseness (noun): The state or quality of being morose.
Collocations
- morose silence
- grow morose
- morose demeanor
- morose mood
Idioms & expressions
- a dark cloud over one's head
- out of sorts
Example sentences
- "After losing his position at the firm, he became morose and withdrew from all family gatherings." Character portrait
- "The old mansion was kept by a morose housekeeper who rarely uttered a word to guests." Gothic novel
Memory hook
MOROSE people want MORE ROSES because they feel so miserable. Sullen gloom with a sour attitude.
When not to use
Do not use for quiet, peaceful reflection; morose implies an unpleasant, crabby gloom.
Fun facts
- In Renaissance medical theory, a morose disposition was treated with herbal concoctions containing borage and rosewater to lighten spirits.
Related words
Also appears in
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