sourness
/ˈsaʊənəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈsaʊərnəs/ (ame, ipa)
sourness — noun
1. the sharp, tangy taste that comes from substances such as lemons, limes, vinegar
the sharp, tangy taste that comes from substances such as lemons, limes, vinegar, or unripe fruit
The sourness of the lime made Wei pucker his lips.
sourness of [ingredient] + affected reaction
Lin added a pinch of sugar to balance the sourness of the grapefruit juice.
The sourness of the milk told Priya that it had gone bad.
Citrus fruits get their sourness from natural acids found in the flesh.
- acidity
more neutral and scientific; sourness often implies a food that is unpleasantly sharp
- tartness
lighter and often pleasant, used for fruits like apples or berries
- bitterness
a different taste quality — sourness is sharp and tangy, while bitterness is harsh and often disliked
文法句型
sourness of [something]
2. an irritable, unfriendly, or bitter quality in a person's manner, tone of voice,
an irritable, unfriendly, or bitter quality in a person's manner, tone of voice, or expression, often because of disappointment or resentment
The sourness in her voice told everyone she was not happy with the decision.
sourness in [someone's] voice/expression
There was a growing sourness between the two neighbours after the argument about the fence.
The interview began with warmth but ended with a note of sourness on both sides.
Years of disappointment at work created a deep sourness in Mr. Okafor's attitude.
- harshness
more about the severity of someone's words or treatment; sourness emphasises a bitter mood
- irritability
the tendency to become annoyed easily; sourness is more about a consistently unpleasant manner
- resentment
focuses on the cause (hurt feelings) rather than the outward behaviour
文法句型
sourness in [voice/tone/attitude]