What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sullen
Example
He wore a sullen expression all day after receiving the bad news. [sullen: adjective]
Example
The sullen sky matched her mood perfectly. [sullen: adjective]
glum
Example
She looked glum after failing her exam. [glum: adjective]
Example
The party was a glum affair with no music or entertainment. [glum: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Glum is more commonly used than sullen in everyday language. Glum is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sullen is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sullen and glum?
Both sullen and glum are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
