Sour Meaning and Definition
Sour
Pronunciation
/saʊr/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A sour taste or smell, typically due to the presence of acid or a high concentration of hydrogen ions, characteristics that make food or drink unpleasantly acidic or pungent.
Examples
- The lemon had a sour taste.
- The smell of the vinegar was really sour.
Synonyms
- Acidic
- Tart
Antonyms
- Sweet
- Mild
Etymology
The word “sour” originates from the Old English word “sūr”, which comes from the Proto-Germanic word “*sūiziz”, relating to the idea of something being sharp or piercing.
Usage Notes
The word “sour” can be used to describe both taste and smell. It is often used in culinary contexts to describe foods or drinks that have an acidic or pungent quality, such as lemons or vinegar.
Cultural References
Sour has appeared in various forms of media, including music, film, and literature. For example, the term “sour grapes” is often used to describe a state of jealousy or disappointment.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Sour grapes
- A sour taste in one’s mouth
Related Words or Phrases
- Acid
- Alkaline
- Pungent
Collocations
- Sour lemons
- Sour milk
Frequency of Use
The word “sour” is used commonly in everyday language, particularly in the context of food and drink.
Common Misspellings
- Sure
- Sor