The word “morose” is an adjective used to describe someone who is sullen, gloomy, or in a bad mood. It’s often used to describe someone who appears visibly unhappy or withdrawn.
Sentence: “The speech was met with a morose silence by the audience, reflecting their disappointment.”
Translation: 那篇演讲遭到听众愁眉苦脸的沉默回应,反映他们的失望。
Informal Speech:
Sentence: “After losing his job, he was morose for weeks.”
Translation: 失业后,他郁郁不减了几周。
Casual Conversation:
Sentence: “You’re looking a little morose, honey.”
Translation: 你看起来有点忧愁,亲爱的。
Media Reference:
From Mad Men (2007) - S07E13: “You’re being morose.”
Etymology:
Origin: The term “morose” comes from the Latin word morosus, meaning “self-will or fastidious habit.” Over time, it came to be associated with gloominess and sulkiness.
Historical Context: The word is related to melancholia, a condition historically linked to an excess of black bile according to ancient Greek medicine. Melancholia covered a spectrum of depressive symptoms, and “moroseness” was one such symptom.
How to Remember:
Association Technique: Link the word “morose” with the image of a sad face, like a person sitting alone with a frown. Think of characters from literature or movies that exhibit these traits.
Mnemonic Device: Remember the phrase “More (mo) roses (rose) can’t make you happy,” imagining someone gloomy even surrounded by beautiful things.
Examples in Various Contexts:
Literature: “He walked through the old house with a morose expression, memories of its past grandeur flooding his mind.”
Everyday Language: “Why are you so morose today? Did something bad happen?”
Workplace: “The team’s mood turned morose after hearing about the upcoming layoffs.”
Understanding and using “morose” effectively can help enrich your vocabulary in both formal and informal contexts. Keep practicing by incorporating it into sentences that reflect its meaning!