Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sullen, moody, resentful disposition: The state or quality of being ill-tempered, peevish, or showing resentment.
   • The property of being acidic: The quality of having a sharp, tart, or acid taste or chemical property.
   • The taste experience when vinegar or lemon juice is taken into the mouth: The specific sensory perception of acidity on the tongue.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His constant sourness made him difficult to work with. (This refers to a resentful disposition.)
  • The sourness of the yogurt is due to the lactic acid. (This refers to the property of being acidic.)
  • I enjoy the pleasant sourness of a fresh green apple. (This refers to the taste experience.)

Advanced Usage

• "To take the sourness out of something": To make a situation or a person less unpleasant or resentful.
  • A sincere apology can take the sourness out of a disagreement.
• Metaphorical use for mood or atmosphere: Describing a gloomy, bitter, or unpleasant emotional climate.
  • A sourness settled over the office after the layoffs were announced.

Variants and Related Words

• Sour (adj): Having an acid taste like lemon or vinegar; showing resentment or disappointment.
  • The milk has turned sour.
  • He gave a sour look.
• Sourly (adv): In a bitter or resentful manner.
  • He commented sourly on the decision.
• Souring (n/gerund): The process of becoming sour, either literally (e.g., milk) or figuratively (e.g., a relationship).
  • The souring of their friendship was sad to watch.

Synonyms

• Acidity: The level of acid in a substance (for the taste/property meaning).
• Tartness: A sharp, acidic taste (often more pleasant than "sourness").
• Bitterness: A sharp, unpleasant taste; or intense resentment (can overlap with the mood meaning).
• Moroseness: Gloominess of temper (for the disposition meaning).
• Peevishness: The quality of being easily irritated.

Antonyms

• Sweetness: The taste of sugar; a pleasant, kind disposition.
• Good humor: A cheerful, agreeable mood.
• Alkalinity: The chemical property of being basic, not acidic.

Noun

1. a sullen moody resentful disposition
2. the property of being acidic
3. the taste experience when vinegar or lemon juice is taken into the mouth