sour
1 antonyms and opposites of sour, grouped by meaning.
Adjective — Having a sharp, acidic taste, like lemon or vinegar.
Antonyms
How to use sour
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English sur, from Proto-Germanic *suraz — the same ancient root that gives German sauer and Dutch zuur.
Full origin of sour →Frequently asked questions
What does “sour” mean?
The word “sour” means having a sharp, acidic taste, like lemon or vinegar. In plain terms, a sharp, acidic taste — or, figuratively, a bad mood or a relationship that has curdled.
How do you pronounce “sour”?
“Sour” is pronounced SOW-uh (/ˈsaʊ.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sour” in a sentence?
Here is “sour” used in a sentence: “The lemonade was too sour for the kids to enjoy.”
What is another word for “sour”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sour” include acetose, acetous, acid, acidulent and tart.
What is the opposite of “sour”?
The opposite of “sour” — its antonyms — is sweet.
What part of speech is “sour”?
Depending on how it is used, “sour” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “sour” come from?
The word “sour” comes from Old English. From Old English sur, from Proto-Germanic *suraz — the same ancient root that gives German sauer and Dutch zuur.
Is “sour” a common word?
“Sour” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between sour and bitter?
Sour describes a sharp, acidic taste, like lemon or vinegar. Bitter is a different basic taste, sharp and often harsh, like black coffee or dark chocolate, so the two are distinct even though both can be called strong.
What is the difference between sour and tart?
Both describe acidic flavours, but tart usually suggests a pleasantly sharp taste, as in tart apples or berries. Sour is broader and can be pleasant or unpleasant, and it can also mean spoiled, as with sour milk.