sullenly

Everyday

1. Sullenly means in a bad-tempered, silent and unfriendly way, as when someone is sulking. tree →
2. Sullenly can describe dark, gloomy weather or water. tree →

In the lessons

A story word that tells the reader a character is angry or unhappy but will not say so. «He answered sullenly» shows a grudging, grumpy reply. Dark clouds or a river can move sullenly, which makes the mood gloomy.

Examples

• The boy stared sullenly at his plate. tree →
• «I don't care,» she muttered sullenly. tree →
• The weasels sullenly handed back the keys. tree →
• The river flowed sullenly under grey skies. tree →
• He sat sullenly in the corner all afternoon. tree →
• The prisoner answered sullenly. tree →

Note

From «sullen» + «-ly». Sullen is about silent bad mood; «sulky» is close. Not the same as «sadly».