sullens

A child's sullens are often brightened by a simple game.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • A state of sullenness: "sullens" refers to a mood or condition of gloomy silence, ill temper, or resentful withdrawal. It is typically used in the phrase "the sullens" to describe a fit of sulking or morose behavior.
   • A period of irritable silence: The word denotes a temporary state where someone is sullen, often characterized by a refusal to speak or engage cheerfully.

Usage Examples

• (He was in a state of gloomy, irritable silence.)
• (She went to her room in a sulky, resentful mood.)
• (They avoided him during his period of ill-tempered withdrawal.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have the sullens": to be in a state of sullenness or sulking.
  • She had the sullens for days after the argument. (She remained sullen and withdrawn for a prolonged period.)
• "to take the sullens": to become sullen or to enter a sulky mood.
  • He took the sullens when he was told he couldn't go to the party. (He became sullen and resentful upon hearing the news.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sullen (adj): showing a brooding ill humor or silent resentment; morose.
  • He gave a sullen reply, barely looking up from his desk. (His response was gloomy and resentful.)
• Sullenly (adv): in a sullen manner.
  • She stared sullenly out the window, refusing to speak. (She looked out with gloomy, silent resentment.)
• Sullenness (n): the quality or state of being sullen.
  • His sullenness made the room feel tense. (His gloomy silence created an uncomfortable atmosphere.)

Synonyms

• Sulk: a period of sullen, silent ill humor.
  • He was in a sulk after being scolded. (He was in a state of resentful withdrawal.)
• Mope: to be in a state of gloomy indifference or listlessness.
  • She moped around the house all day. (She moved about with a dejected, sullen air.)
• Dudgeon: a state of indignation or resentment, often sullen.
  • He left in high dudgeon. (He departed in a state of offended, sullen anger.)

Related Idioms

• In the sullens: in a state of sullen, silent resentment.
  • Don't bother him when he's in the sullens. (Avoid him during his moody, withdrawn phase.)
• Have a fit of the sullens: to experience a sudden episode of sullen behavior.
  • She had a fit of the sullens after losing her toy. (She suddenly became sullen and sulky.)