morose
What does "morose" mean?
To be morose is to be sullen, gloomy, and ill-tempered. It describes a person who has retreated into a dark, silent mood, often characterized by a lack of interest in social interaction or a persistent air of bitterness. While "sad" is a general feeling, "morose" implies a more heavy, brooding disposition. It is often used to describe someone who is withdrawn or sulky rather than just tearful. You might encounter it in descriptions of characters in novels who sit alone in the shadows, refusing to speak or participate in the cheerfulness around them.
"morose" in conversation
Checking on a friend
Are you alright? You've been sitting in the corner staring at the wall for an hour.
Are you alright? You've been sitting in the corner staring at the wall for an hour.
I'm just not in the mood for this party. Leave me to my own thoughts.
I'm just not in the mood for this party. Leave me to my own thoughts.
Mark's behavior is described as morose because of his withdrawal and dark mood.
Discussing a moody character
Why is the detective so morose in the new film?
Why is the detective so morose in the new film?
He’s haunted by his past cases, so he stays pretty grumpy and isolated throughout the story.
He’s haunted by his past cases, so he stays pretty grumpy and isolated throughout the story.
Morose is frequently used to describe fictional characters who carry heavy burdens.
"morose" in a sentence
After losing the game, the team sat in a morose silence on the bus ride home.
After losing the game, the team sat in a morose silence on the bus ride home.
The once vibrant painter became increasingly morose as his eyesight began to fail him.
The once vibrant painter became increasingly morose as his eyesight began to fail him.
His morose temperament made him a difficult companion, as he seemed to actively reject any attempt at levity.
His morose temperament made him a difficult companion, as he seemed to actively reject any attempt at levity.
