sore
adj. · n. · adv.-
1 physically painful (adj.) B1 Intermediate Medicinefeeling painful or tender, especially because of an injury, infection, or too much exercise.
causing physical pain or discomfort; characterized by tenderness or inflammation of a body part.
ExampleMy muscles are really sore after going to the gym for the first time in months.
ExampleThe patient complained of a sore throat and persistent fatigue, suggesting a viral infection rather than simple seasonal allergies.
-
2 upset or angry (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informalfeeling angry, annoyed, or upset about something, especially because you feel you were treated unfairly.
feeling resentment, animosity, or irritation; often used in the phrase 'sore loser'.
ExampleHe is still a bit sore about not getting the promotion he wanted.
ExampleThe opposition leader remained sore after the narrow defeat, refusing to congratulate the winner during the televised press conference.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
-
3 a skin injury (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Medicinea painful, red, or infected place on your skin.
a localized area of injured, inflamed, or diseased skin or mucous membrane.
ExampleThe hiker had a painful sore on his heel where his boot had rubbed.
ExampleThe tropical climate made it difficult for the open sores on his legs to heal properly without specialized antibiotic ointment.
-
4 very much (adv.) C1 Advanced Archaic Literaryextremely or very much — used when talking about something bad or difficult.
to a great or extreme degree; used as an intensifier for negative states or needs.
ExampleThe soldiers were sore afraid as the storm grew louder in the dark forest.
ExampleThe kingdom was sore pressed by enemies on all sides, its resources depleted after years of continuous border skirmishes.
From Middle English sor, from Old English sār (“ache, wound”, noun) and sār (“painful, grievous”, adjective), from Proto-West Germanic sair, from Proto-Germanic sairaz (adjective) from Proto-Indo-European sh₂eyro-, enlargement of sh₂ey- (“to be fierce, afflict”). See also Dutch zeer (“sore, ache”), Danish sår (“wound”), German sehr (“very”); also Hittite [script needed] (sāwar, “anger”), Welsh hoed (“pain”), Ancient Greek αἱμωδία (haimōdía, “sensation of having teeth on edge”).
From Middle English sor (“sorrel”), from Old French sor (“sorrel; reddish”). Compare French saur (“(archaic) reddish-brown; describing a young bird of prey”).