morose

USAGE SUMMARY

"morose" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that describes a person who is sullen, gloomy, and ill-tempered. You can use it to describe someone's mood or attitude. Example sentence: She always had a morose disposition and rarely smiled or laughed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Apart from adding a morose kind of gaiety to life, the failed coup attempt against Farage could yet offer some hope to Labour.

The Guardian - Opinion

If a company fails to get its designs and buying right, the damage is as serious as a brand being devalued by poorly made products, dowdy stores and a morose sales force though the reverse is also true.

The Economist

Yet although many Christians are morose about their prospects, others hope that a more democratic Egypt may provide opportunities to end their community's political isolation.

The Economist

The queues outside their branches are orderly, if morose.

The Economist

But many private-equity executives are morose about their former comrade Mitt Romney's bid for the Republican nomination.

The Economist

They are adrift, morose and full of bitterness about the new arrivals.A book published this week* describes the calamity that befell the decent folk portrayed in "Family and Kinship".

The Economist

Fully four-fifths of the French tell pollsters that they think "things are getting worse".But the opening quotation, seemingly so apt for morose France today, is not about that country at all.

The Economist

Rather than speculating about the odds of her reaching the Elysée, France's mainstream politicians need to work far harder to head off Ms Le Pen and her party.The best answer is for them to deal with the malaise that grips so many of France's morose voters.

The Economist

"Whenever I get to feeling a bit morose and missing my old right hand, I wind up thinking instead how privileged I am to be an academic in computer science," he wrote to his friends by e-mail after leaving hospital.

The Economist

His image of a desolate row of petrol pumps in New Mexico; a cowboy lounging by a rubbish bin in New York; a morose, stooping lift attendant; a hunched figure by an arrow-shaped neon sign in Los Angeles: all look like amateur snapshots when set against the formal beauty and tonal range of photographs by Edward Weston, say, or Ansel Adams.

The Economist

Freedom then Words can kill ReprintsBy Pascal Quignard.Gallimard; 168 pages; FFr94.By Eric Laurrent.Editions de Minuit; 222 pages; FFr85EROS in France certainly looks depressed, to judge from the number of successful young French authors who are making their literary way with novels about incest and paternal rape, or more prosaically, the morose sex lives of young adults.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "morose" to describe a sustained state of gloom or sullenness, rather than a fleeting moment of sadness. It suggests a deeper, more ingrained disposition.

Common error

Avoid using "morose" when a milder term like "sad" or "unhappy" would suffice. "Morose" implies a significant and noticeable level of gloom.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "morose" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of sullenness, gloom, or ill-temper. Ludwig AI confirms this usage and provides numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "morose" functions as an adjective to describe a state of gloom and ill-temper. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in News & Media and encyclopedias. While grammatically correct, it's important to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong expression of negativity. Alternatives such as "glum", "sullen", and "gloomy" can offer nuanced shades of meaning. Remember to avoid overusing the word "morose" when a milder term would be more appropriate. Given its proper usage, "morose" remains a valuable tool for conveying a distinct emotional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glum

Focuses on a sullen or disappointed mood.

sullen

Emphasizes a silent resentment or unwillingness to be sociable.

gloomy

Highlights a sense of darkness or pessimism.

melancholy

Suggests a pensive sadness, often without a specific cause.

dour

Implies a stern, unyielding, and forbidding demeanor.

pessimistic

Highlights a belief that things will turn out badly.

despondent

Indicates a loss of hope or courage.

depressed

Suggests a more severe and prolonged state of sadness.

downcast

Focuses on a feeling of being disheartened or low in spirits.

crestfallen

Highlights disappointment, often after a setback or failure.

FAQs

How to use "morose" in a sentence?

You can use "morose" to describe a person's mood or demeanor. For example: "The rainy weather made him feel morose."

What can I say instead of "morose"?

You can use alternatives like "glum", "sullen", or "gloomy" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "morose" or "melancholic"?

Both "morose" and "melancholic" describe sadness, but "morose" implies a sullen and ill-tempered state, while "melancholic" suggests a pensive and thoughtful sadness.

What's the difference between "morose" and "depressed"?

"Morose" suggests a sullen and gloomy disposition, while "depressed" indicates a more severe and prolonged state of sadness, often requiring professional help.