sore

UK: sɔː | US: sɔːr

Definition

  1. adj. painful or aching (e.g., a sore muscle)

  2. adj. causing emotional distress (e.g., a sore subject)

  3. n. a raw or painful spot on the body (e.g., a cold sore)

Structure
sore <painful, from Old English *sār*>
Etymology

The word "sore" traces back to Old English sār, meaning "painful, grievous, or aching." It shares roots with Old Norse sárr and Gothic sair, all derived from Proto-Germanic *sairaz, reflecting a deep Indo-European connection to physical or emotional pain. Over time, its meaning narrowed slightly but retained its core association with discomfort, whether physical (e.g., a wound) or metaphorical (e.g., a sensitive topic).

Examples

  1. Her throat was sore after shouting at the concert.

  2. He avoided bringing up the sore subject of the failed project.

  3. The athlete applied ice to his sore knee.

  4. A cold sore appeared on her lip during finals week.

  5. The criticism left a sore spot in their friendship.