What does sore mean?
Sore is most often used as an adjective to describe pain, tenderness, or irritation in a particular part of the body, as in a sore throat, sore muscles, or a sore spot. It can describe either the painful condition itself or a person experiencing it: her wrist was sore after the injury, or he felt sore after running. The word also has a figurative use for someone who is especially sensitive to criticism or who feels annoyed by a particular issue. A sore subject, for example, is a topic that provokes discomfort, while a sore point is an issue likely to cause irritation. As a noun, a sore is a painful area of the body, often involving a minor injury. Although the adjective is highly common, the noun is used less often, and the verb, meaning to make or become sore, is rare. Sore is understood throughout British and American English.
Painful, tender, or irritated; feeling physical pain, especially in the muscles, skin, or throat.
"I woke up with a sore throat and stiff legs."
The figurative adjective meaning sensitive or easily offended is common in informal English.
A painful, swollen, or irritated place on the body, especially a minor injury or sore.
"The tight shoe left a sore on her heel."
To make or become painful or sore.
"The long march sore his feet."
This verb is rare and sounds literary or archaic in modern English.
The plural is formed by adding -s and is used for multiple painful injuries or irritated areas.
"The boots caused several sores on her feet."
The word that describes a painful spot also carries a figurative sting: a sore subject is one so sensitive that even gentle criticism can feel painful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sore come from?
Sore descends from Old English sār, meaning “pain” or “painful,” and is related to Germanic forms such as Old Norse sarr and Dutch zeer. The modern English word retains the core sense of bodily pain, while figurative meanings developed from the idea of a physical sore being tender to touch or criticism.
Related word forms
How sore is actually used
In its bodily sense, sore is everyday and neutral, though it may sound more conversational than a more clinical term such as painful. The figurative sense is common in informal English, especially in phrases such as a sore subject and a sore point. As a verb, sore is uncommon and literary.
Easily confused with sore
A sore is painful or tender to the touch, whereas to soar means to fly or rise rapidly into the air.