Pronunciation: [sˈʌlən] (IPA) 
The word "sullen" is spelled as /ˈsʌlən/. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the first syllable is pronounced as "sul" with a short "u" sound, followed by a schwa sound in the second syllable "-en." The double "l" in sullen indicates that the second syllable is unstressed. The word's definition means to be gloomy or brooding in demeanor. Sullen may also describe an atmosphere or weather that is drab or cheerless.
Sullen is an adjective commonly used to describe a person's behavior or attitude that is gloomy, silent, and lacking in cheerfulness or friendliness. When someone is described as being sullen, they typically display a disposition marked by a refusal to engage in conversation, a moody or surly demeanor, or an overall impression of sadness, resentment, or dissatisfaction.
Individuals who are sullen often tend to withdraw from social interactions and can be uncommunicative, displaying a reluctance to engage in conversation or share their thoughts or feelings. Their body language might include slumped or hunched shoulders, a downcast gaze, or a blank expression.
Sullenness can arise due to various reasons, such as disappointment, frustration, anger, or sadness. It is often associated with a brooding or grumpy outlook, where negative emotions overshadow any positive or pleasurable experiences.
The term "sullen" can also be used to describe various atmospheres or environments. For example, a somber and melancholic setting that is devoid of laughter or liveliness can be dubbed as "sullen."
In summary, sullen refers to a person's demeanor or behavior characterized by being moody, silent, and lacking in happiness, often accompanied by a refusal to engage in communication or social interactions. It denotes a state of gloominess, inwardly directed negative emotions, and an overall air of dissatisfaction or sadness.
Of an unsociable morose disposition; gloomily silent and angry; cloudy; dismal.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "sullen" originated from the Middle English term "solein", which can be traced back to the Old English word "solic", meaning solitary or lonely. This Old English word eventually evolved into "sulken" or "sullen" in Middle English, both of which imply a gloomy, silent, or morose state of being.
