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Sullen vs Dreary - What's the difference?

sullen | dreary |

In obsolete|lang=en terms the difference between sullen and dreary

is that sullen is (obsolete) one who is solitary, or lives alone; a hermit while dreary is (obsolete) grievous, dire; appalling.

As adjectives the difference between sullen and dreary

is that sullen is having a brooding ill temper; sulky while dreary is (obsolete) grievous, dire; appalling.

As a noun sullen

is (obsolete) one who is solitary, or lives alone; a hermit.

sullen

English

Adjective

(er)
  • Having a brooding ill temper; sulky.
  • * Prior
    • And sullen I forsook the imperfect feast.
  • Gloomy; dismal; foreboding.
  • * 1593 , , IV. v. 88:
    • Our solemn hymns to sullen dirges change;
    (Milton)
  • Sluggish; slow.
  • * Sir Walter Scott
    • The larger stream was placid, and even sullen , in its course.
  • (obsolete) Lonely; solitary; desolate.
  • (obsolete) Mischievous; malignant; unpropitious.
  • * Dryden
    • Such sullen planets at my birth did shine.
  • (obsolete) Obstinate; intractable.
  • * Tillotson
    • Things are as sullen as we are.

    Synonyms

    * sulky, morose

    Antonyms

    * cheerful * content * lighthearted * pleased

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (obsolete) One who is solitary, or lives alone; a hermit.
    • (Piers Plowman)
  • Sullen feelings or manners; sulks; moroseness.
    • to have the sullens
  • * 1593 , , II. i. 139:
    • And let them die that age and sullens have;
    English adjectives ending in -en

    dreary

    English

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • (obsolete) Grievous, dire; appalling.
  • Drab; dark, colorless, or cheerless.
    • It had rained for three days straight, and the dreary weather dragged the townspeople's spirits down.
    Once upon a midnight dreary , while I pondered, weak and weary...
  • * 1818 , , Volume 1, Chapter V:
    • It was on a dreary night of November, that I beheld the accomplishment of my toils.

    Anagrams

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