Bad-tempered and sulky, showing silent resentment or moody silence. Characterized by a gloomy or threatening appearance.
From Old French 'solein' meaning 'lonely' or 'unique', ultimately from Latin 'solus' (alone). The meaning evolved from 'solitary' in the 14th century to 'morose' by the 16th century, as solitude became associated with brooding.
Originally meaning simply 'alone', the word gradually took on negative connotations as solitude became linked with antisocial moods. It's interesting how 'sullen' weather (dark, threatening skies) uses the same word - we project human emotions onto nature.
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