{"id":6501,"date":"2022-08-28T18:14:36","date_gmt":"2022-08-28T18:14:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=6501"},"modified":"2022-08-28T18:14:36","modified_gmt":"2022-08-28T18:14:36","slug":"dour-sullen-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/dour-sullen-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Dour Sullen \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you looking for a way to describe a dry, unenthusiastic personality? You could say the person is a 'dour, sullen' <\/em>individual you don't want to be around.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The words \u2018dour and sullen\u2019<\/em> are used in a description of a person's personality traits and behavior. The dictionary definition of dour is something gloomy, stern, or severe. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Describing something as 'sulle<\/em>n' means that it shows irritation and acts with persistent and silent ill-humor.<\/p>\n

The words have a similar meaning, and using them together means that you view the person as ill-humored and dry and don't enjoy speaking with them or listening to what they say. They have a pessimistic attitude and rarely try to connect with the people they're communicating with in any given situation.<\/p>\n

Dour can mean harsh and threatening, and sullen as an atmosphere lacking in happiness and cheer. Sullen acts as a synonym for dour, meaning grim, dull, and morose. Dour originates from the Gaelic word, 'd\u00far<\/em>.'<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cI find Mitch to be a dour, sullen person. He\u2019s not someone you want to be around, and he has a face that only a mother could love.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you have a dour, sullen personality, you\u2019re not someone people want to be around. It might be wise to examine your life and where you\u2019re going with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf people say you have a dour, sullen personality, you better do some work on yourself. You\u2019ll never get ahead in life if people think you\u2019re a miserable cynic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to end up being a dour, sullen old man like Mitch McConnell. No matter how much money or power you have, you can\u2019t fix that and what people think of you behind closed doors.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

The expression 'dour, sullen' originates from a statement by former president of the United States, Donald Trump. Trump was referring to a character reference of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell after the second unsuccessful attempt to impeach Trump.<\/p>\n

Trump's acquittal on February 16, 2021, saw the former president read from a \"Save America\" letterhead, stating the following.<\/p>\n

\"Mitch is a dour, sullen, and unsmiling political hack. If Republican senators are going to stay with him, they will not win again.\"<\/p>\n

Trump finished his scathing attack on OConnell by alleging the senator \"begged\" him for his endorsement. The former president said he regretted supporting OConnell's campaign.<\/p>\n