Pronunciation: [lˈʊk sˈʌlən] (IPA) 
The phrase "look sullen" is spelled as /lʊk ˈsʌlən/. The word "look" is pronounced as /lʊk/, which rhymes with "book". The word "sullen" is pronounced as /ˈsʌlən/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "u" in "sullen" is pronounced with a short sound, as in "sun". "Look sullen" means to have a gloomy, melancholy expression, and can be used to describe someone who appears unhappy or discontented.
The term "look sullen" describes the facial expression and demeanor of an individual who appears gloomy, moody, or angry, portraying feelings of resentment or dissatisfaction. The term combines the verb "look," which refers to the act of directing one's gaze or focusing one's eyes on something, with the adjective "sullen." The adjective "sullen" is derived from Old English and describes a person who is silent and unresponsive, exhibiting a brooding or morose attitude.
When an individual looks sullen, their facial expressions often include a downward or furrowed brow, a tensed jaw, and a tight or closed mouth. Their eyes might appear distant or clouded, and they may avoid or dismissively direct their gaze away from others. These facial cues typically indicate their displeasure, dissatisfaction, or lack of interest in their surrounding environment or interactions.
The sullen look can be an outward reflection of inner turmoil, sadness, resentment, or frustration. It may signal resentment towards a particular situation, dissatisfaction with an individual or circumstance, or general unhappiness. The sullen expression can serve as a nonverbal communication of one's emotional state and may often be accompanied by a withdrawn behavior.
In summary, the term "look sullen" refers to the demeanor and facial expression of an individual who appears unhappy, resentful, or discontented through their brooding or gloomy countenance.
The etymology of the phrase "look sullen" can be understood by examining the origin of its individual words.
1. Look: This word traces its roots back to the Old English word "lōcian", which means "to look, to see, to gaze". It developed from the Proto-Germanic word "lokōną" and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages. Over time, "look" evolved to refer to directing one's eyes or attention towards something, as well as expressing a specific facial expression.
2. Sullen: This word derives from the Middle English term "solein" or "sullain", which meant "solitary, lone, lonely" or "gloomy, morose". It originated from the Old English word "sol", meaning "solitary", which came from the Proto-Germanic term "sōlaz".
