1
Core quality
Sullen, gloomy, withdrawn, and ill-tempered.
Example
He became morose after the proposal was rejected.
morose
/məˈrəʊs/ · muh-ROHSadjective
Sullen, gloomy, withdrawn, and ill-tempered.
Use morose to express this relationship precisely: sullen, gloomy, withdrawn, and ill-tempered.
What morose Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The novel's morose narrator distrusts everyone.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
She was quiet but not morose.
Use morose Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
He became morose after the proposal was rejected.
The novel's morose narrator distrusts everyone.
She was quiet but not morose.
Precision Matters
Morose overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
morose
vs.Means sullen, gloomy, withdrawn, and ill-tempered.
ebullient
Means overflowing with cheerful energy, enthusiasm, and excitement.
morose
vs.Means sullen, gloomy, withdrawn, and ill-tempered.
affable
Means friendly, good-natured, and easy to speak with.
morose
vs.Means sullen, gloomy, withdrawn, and ill-tempered.
placid
Means calm, peaceful, and not easily disturbed or excited.
morose
vs.Means sullen, gloomy, withdrawn, and ill-tempered.
lugubrious
Means excessively mournful, gloomy, or sorrowful in appearance, sound, or manner.
Test morose in Context
The captain becomes gloomy, withdrawn, and ill-tempered.
1
After the defeat, the normally sociable captain grew ___ and refused to speak to anyone.