surly

/ˈsɜːli/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈɚli] /ˈsɜːrli/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈɚli] /ˈsər-lē How to pronounce surly (audio)/ (ame, mw)

surly — adjective

  • surlypositive
  • surliercomparative
  • surliestsuperlative

1. showing a bad temper and speaking to people in a rude, unwelcoming way.

1.形容詞C1
釋義

showing a bad temper and speaking to people in a rude, unwelcoming way.

例句

The surly waiter slammed the menu down and walked away.

attributive: surly + role noun

Ari sounded surly when the hotel clerk asked for his passport.

predicative: sound surly

同義詞
  • grumpy

    more everyday and often less openly rude

  • rude

    broader; can describe behavior without the bad-tempered mood

  • sullen

    quieter and more withdrawn, not as openly rough

  • bad-tempered

    plain and neutral; does not always suggest rude replies

反義詞
  • friendly

    warm and pleasant toward other people

  • polite

    shows good manners rather than roughness

  • cheerful

    bright and good-humoured instead of cross

文法句型

a surly reply

be surly with + person

sound surly

用法筆記

Often describes how someone speaks or responds to other people, especially in short exchanges with customers, family members, or strangers. It is more openly rough than 'sullen', which often suggests silent resentment.

常見錯誤

❌Mina looked surly because she was too shy to speak in class.
✅Mina looked shy because she was too nervous to speak in class.
💡'surly' suggests bad temper and rude manner, not quiet nervousness.
❌The tired baby was surly after missing a nap.
✅The tired baby was cranky after missing a nap.
💡'surly' is usually used for older children or adults who answer roughly, not for babies.