Definition of sullen

The word "sullen" has its origins in old English, where it was spelled as "sulan" and meant "feeling low" or "gloomy." The word likely originated from the old English word "sula" which meant "comfortless" or "grievous." The spelling and meaning of the word evolved over time. By the mid-1300s, the spelling had changed to "sulon," and by the 1600s, the spelling was closer to the modern "sullen." The meaning of the word also shifted. In the 1400s, "sullen" was used to describe someone who was angry or irritable, but by the 1500s, it had come to mean someone who was moody, gloomy, or brooding. The word "sullen" has since been used extensively in literature and language, from Shakespeare's plays to everyday speech. Its exact origins may be lost to time, but its meaning and usage continue to be an important part of the English language today.