sullen: [16] The etymological notion underlying sullen is of being miserable because one is ‘on one’s own’. The word comes from Anglo- Norman *solein ‘alone’, hence ‘miserable’, a derivative of Old French soul ‘alone’ (source of English sole). => sole, solo
sullen (adj.)
1570s, alteration of Middle English soleyn "unique, singular," from Anglo-French *solein, formed on the pattern of Old French solain "lonely," from soul "single," from Latin solus "by oneself, alone" (see sole (adj.)). The sense shift in Middle English from "solitary" to "morose" (i.e. "remaining alone through ill-humor") occurred late 14c. Related: Sullenly; sullenness.
权威例句
1. He turned away in sullen, resentful silence.
他闷闷不乐、心怀怨恨、一言不发地转过身去了。
2. The offenders lapsed into a sullen silence.
那些冒犯者都闷不作声了。
3. Bob looked pale and sullen.
鲍勃脸色苍白,闷闷不乐。
4. The sullen girl refused to answer her mother's questions.