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Meaning of surliness
The primary meaning of the word "surliness" is a feeling or attitude of ill-temper, irritability, or gruffness.
Etymology of surliness
The word "surliness" has its roots in the Old French word "sour", meaning "sour" or "unpleasant", and the suffix "-ly", which forms an adjective indicating a quality or state.
Historically, the term "surliness" emerged in the 15th century to describe a person's unpleasant or unfriendly demeanor, often marked by irritability, gruffness, or ill-temper.
Synonyms
irritability
gruffness
testiness
sullenness
moroseness
crankiness
crossness
petulance
peevishness
grumpiness
ill-temper
cantankerousness
irascibility
fractiousness
querulousness
discontent
displeasure
annoyance
vexation
irritation
indignation
offense
umbrage
resentment
bitterness
rancor
acrimony
asperity
acidity
tartness
acerbity
severity
sternness
austerity
harshness
roughness
brusqueness
curtness
abruptness
rudeness
incivility
discourtesy.
Definitions
- A feeling or attitude of ill-temper, irritability, or gruffness, characterized by a lack of friendliness or courtesy.
- Uncooperative or unfriendly behavior, often accompanied by a scowl or other unpleasant expression.
Usage Examples
- The store clerk's surliness made me hesitant to ask for help with my purchase.
- After a long, tiring day, he was prone to surliness, snapping at anyone who crossed his path.
- The customer's complaint was met with surliness by the company's customer service representative.
Antonyms
friendliness
courtesy
politeness
civility
cordiality
affability
geniality
warmth
hospitality
graciousness
kindness
gentleness
mildness
meekness
amiability
approachability
warmth
sociability
conviviality
joviality
cheerfulness
pleasantness
agreeability
cooperation
helpfulness
obligingness.