Vexed vs Sullen - What's the difference?

vexed | sullen | Related terms |

Vexed is a related term of sullen.

As adjectives the difference between vexed and sullen

is that vexed is annoyed, irritated or distressed while sullen is having a brooding ill temper; sulky.

As a verb vexed

is (vex).

As a noun sullen is

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

vexed

English

Adjective

(en adjective)

annoyed, irritated or distressed

She became more and more vexed as she struggled to cope with the demands of the job.

much debated, discussed or disputed

the vexed question of whether or not to kiss on a first date

Quotations

* 1990 — , Eric , p 72 *: He would be left in no doubt that they were annoyed. He might even go so far as to deduce that they were quite vexed .

Verb

(head)

(vex)

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