Sullens

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. Marked by a gloomy or brooding demeanor, expressing discontent or sulkiness
2. characterized by a refusal to engage with others, creating an air of stubbornness and withdrawal
3. exhibiting a silent, unhappy disposition that conveys irritation or resentment toward a situation or person

Etymology: The word "sullens" is simply the plural of "sullen" when used as a noun, meaning a fit of moodiness or the sullen people themselves, so its history is that of "sullen". The surprise lies in the original sense of the adjective, which had nothing to do with bad temper. It descends from Latin "sōlus", meaning "alone", passing through Old French "sole" ("single, sole, alone") and Anglo-Norman "soleyn" before reaching Middle English as "soleyn". For a while, then, the word described solitude rather than gloom. The shift from "single" or "alone" to a sour, withdrawn mood took place within Middle English, as a person who kept apart from others and did not join in cheerful company came to be seen as brooding and unsociable. The mood, in other words, grew out of the isolation.

Synonyms: moody, sullen, morose, gloomy, glum

Antonyms: cheerful, happy, joyful, bright, sunny