sullen: [16] The etymological notion underlying sullen is of being miserable because one is ‘on one’s own’. The word comes from Anglo- Norman *solein ‘alone’, hence ‘miserable’, a derivative of Old French soul ‘alone’ (source of English sole). => sole, solo
sullen (adj.)
1570s, alteration of Middle English soleyn "unique, singular," from Anglo-French *solein, formed on the pattern of Old French solain "lonely," from soul "single," from Latin solus "by oneself, alone" (see sole (adj.)). The sense shift in Middle English from "solitary" to "morose" (i.e. "remaining alone through ill-humor") occurred late 14c. Related: Sullenly; sullenness.
sullen 双语例句
1. He turned away in sullen, resentful silence.
他闷闷不乐、心怀怨恨、一言不发地转过身去了。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The offenders lapsed into a sullen silence.
那些冒犯者都闷不作声了。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Bob looked pale and sullen.
鲍勃脸色苍白,闷闷不乐。
来自《权威词典》
4. The sullen girl refused to answer her mother's questions.