sour

UK: saʊə | US: saʊər

Definition

  1. adj. having an acidic or sharp taste

  2. adj. unpleasant or unfriendly in mood or manner

  3. v. to become or make something acidic or unpleasant

Structure
sour <acidic/sharp>
Etymology

The word "sour" traces back to Old English sūr, meaning "acidic or sharp-tasting." It shares roots with Germanic languages (e.g., Dutch zuur, German sauer) and is linked to the Proto-Indo-European root sūro-, denoting acidity. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe unpleasant moods or situations, reflecting the visceral reaction to sour tastes.

Examples

  1. The lemon tasted intensely sour.

  2. Her expression turned sour when she heard the news.

  3. Milk can sour quickly in warm weather.

  4. The meeting ended on a sour note after the argument.

  5. He gave a sour laugh at the failed joke.