sore - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
sore Word Meanings
- painful to the touch
- feeling pain or discomfort
- a hurt or injury on the body
sore Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
sore Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/sɔː/
US
/sɔr/
sore Word Etymology
sore = sore + -ly; Historical origin: Old English, from Latin 'sorus'; Memory image: Imagine a sore spot on your body that you feel when you touch it, like a fresh bruise.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Sore is a versatile word in everyday English. As an adjective it describes something painful when touched or from use, as in a sore knee or sore muscles after a workout. It can describe discomfort not tied to visible injury, as in a sore throat or a sore spot in a conversation. As a noun, sore means an injury or lesion on the body, often resulting from a cut or bruise. People also say a sore point, meaning a sensitive topic. Learners should distinguish sore from similar terms like painful, tender, ache, and injury, and note that soreness can be temporary or lingering.
Usage Reminders
- - Remember sore describes tenderness or injury to a body part
- - Use with body parts: sore knee, sore throat
- - Distinguish from painful and ache, which are more general or continuous
- - Use 'to touch' or 'is' to describe touch-related pain: 'sore to touch'
- - 'A sore point' means a sensitive topic or issue
- - Soreness can be temporary or long-lasting
Common Misconceptions
- Sore only means an injury you can see
- Sore always describes physical pain, never emotional feelings
- Sore and sore point are the same thing
- Sore cannot describe throat pain
- All pain is sore
Thinking Differences
In English, sore covers both touch-related pain and general body pain, plus a popular metaphorical use (sore about something). Learners often think sore is only for visible injuries or only a feeling of anger, which leads to mistakes like saying 'sore' for a headache or emotional upset.
Learning Tips
- Pair with body parts: sore knee, sore throat
- Differentiate from 'painful' (general) vs 'sore' (tender to touch)
- Use 'is' or 'be' with a body part: 'my knee is sore'
- Explore 'sore point' to discuss sensitive topics
- Note that soreness can be temporary or long-lasting
- Practice collocations: sore to touch, sore spot, feel sore
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'sore'?
A.Happy
B.Big
C.Fast
D.Painful
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'sore' correctly?
A.The cat is sore because it is happy.
B.He was sore about receiving good news.
C.She felt sore after winning the race.
D.The sore ball bounced high.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'sore'?
A.Joyful
B.Soft
C.Aching
D.Bright
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'sore'?
A.Happy
B.Pleasant
C.Healthy
D.Relaxed
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you use the word 'sore'?
A.Eating dinner
B.After exercising
C.Watching a movie
D.Playing a video game
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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