Definitions
- Describing a person who is bad-tempered, sulky, or gloomy. - Referring to a mood or atmosphere that is dark, dismal, or depressing. - Talking about a place or setting that is dull, lifeless, or uninviting.
- Describing a person who is rude, unfriendly, or ill-tempered. - Referring to a behavior or attitude that is hostile, aggressive, or uncooperative. - Talking about a situation or circumstance that is difficult, unpleasant, or challenging.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe negative emotions or attitudes.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people, moods, or situations.
- 3Both words have a negative connotation.
- 4Both words can be used to describe a lack of friendliness or cooperation.
What is the difference?
- 1Mood: Sullen implies a sad or depressed mood, while surly implies an angry or hostile mood.
- 2Behavior: Surly implies a more active and aggressive behavior, while sullen implies a more passive and withdrawn behavior.
- 3Intensity: Surly is generally considered a stronger and more severe term than sullen.
- 4Usage: Sullen is more commonly used to describe a mood or atmosphere, while surly is more commonly used to describe a person's behavior or attitude.
- 5Connotation: Sullen has a more melancholic and subdued connotation, while surly has a more confrontational and unpleasant connotation.
Remember this!
Sullen and surly are both negative words used to describe people, moods, or situations. However, sullen implies a sad or depressed mood, while surly implies an angry or hostile mood. Additionally, surly is generally considered a stronger and more severe term than sullen. While sullen is more commonly used to describe a mood or atmosphere, surly is more commonly used to describe a person's behavior or attitude.
