Mope

/moʊp/ verb

Definition

to be gloomy, sad, or listless; to move or sit around without energy or enthusiasm.

Etymology

Origin uncertain but possibly from Scandinavian roots or related to 'mop' (suggesting a drooping quality). The word has been used since the 1500s to describe sullen or apathetic behavior.

Kelly Says

Interestingly, 'mope' might be related to 'mop'—the image of something drooping and wet captures exactly how we describe people who are moping, which is why language sometimes uses physical objects to describe emotional states.

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