morose

UK: məˈrəʊs | US: məˈroʊs

Definition
  1. adj. sullen, gloomy, or ill-tempered

  2. adj. characterized by or expressing sadness

Structure
mor <bitter>ose <full of>
Etymology

morose = mor<bitter> + ose<full of>

  • mor (from Latin moris, meaning "bitter" or "harsh")
  • ose (a suffix from Latin -osus, meaning "full of" or "abounding in")

Etymology Origin:
The word "morose" traces back to Latin morosus, meaning "peevish" or "fastidious," derived from mos (plural mores), meaning "custom" or "manner." Over time, it evolved to describe someone stubbornly adhering to their own mood or customs, eventually narrowing to its modern sense of sullenness or gloominess. The suffix -ose amplifies the root, emphasizing a pervasive quality—thus, "full of bitterness."

Examples
  1. After losing the game, he sat in a morose silence.

  2. The rainy weather made her feel unusually morose.

  3. His morose expression hinted at deeper troubles.

  4. The novel’s protagonist is a morose and solitary figure.

  5. She gave a morose sigh and stared out the window.