sour - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
sour Word Meanings
- having a sharp taste or smell like that of vinegar or lemons
- unpleasantly acid
- angry or bad-tempered
sour Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
sour Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsaʊə/
US
/ˈsaʊər/
sour Word Etymology
sour = sower + -ur (adjective suffix); Old English——Sūre → Middle English——sour; Imagine biting into a lemon and making a pucker face, a clear expression of acidity.
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
Sour has two main uses in English. It describes a sharp taste or smell, as when something is acidic like vinegar or a lemon. It can also describe a person or situation that is unfriendly, harsh, or ill tempered, as in a sour mood or a sour remark. In everyday talk you may hear phrases like turn sour to describe relationships that go wrong or a conversation that takes a sour turn. The etymology traces to Old English sūre and Middle English, linking the sense of acidity with the word. Imagine biting into a lemon and making a puckered face to visualize the sour taste.
Usage Reminders
- • Notice sour taste in foods and sour mood in people.
- • Distinguish taste vs mood, both are common.
- • Use turn sour for relationships or conversations turning negative.
- • Remember sour as an adjective and a noun in some phrases.
- • Pronounce /ˈsaʊər/ with a rounded mouth.
Common Misconceptions
- Sour only describes taste, not mood
- Sour always means something is spoiled or rotten
- Sour cannot describe people or relationships
- Sour is the same as bitter
- Sour is not used with nouns or adjectives in natural English
Thinking Differences
For English learners, sour often covers both taste and mood, which can blur when translating into other languages that separate taste words from emotional states.
Learning Tips
- Identify both senses in example sentences
- Practice pronunciation of /ˈsaʊər/
- Create word maps with taste and mood collocations
- Learn related forms like sourness and souring
- Watch for idioms like turn sour
- Use visuals or gestures to remember acidity
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'sour' mean?
A.Moving quickly
B.Feeling happy
C.Having a tart or acidic taste
D.Eating
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'sour' used correctly?
A.The lemonade tasted sour and refreshing.
B.She enjoyed the sour weather outside.
C.The sour cat greeted us warmly.
D.He was feeling sour after winning the game.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is an antonym of 'sour'?
A.Spicy
B.Bitter
C.Salty
D.Sweet
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context would you use the word 'sour'?
A.Describing a lemon's taste
B.Talking about the color blue
C.Referring to a soft texture
D.Describing a loud sound
Step 5: Mastery
Reflect on when you might use the word 'sour' in a conversation.
A.Trying a new dish
B.Working at a bakery
C.Tasting different fruits
D.Exploring a museum
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App