What does sourness mean?
Sourness is the quality of being sour: a sharp, acidic, or tart taste often associated with foods such as lemons, vinegar, and spoiled milk. The word can also describe a figurative sourness, meaning bitterness, resentment, or a harsh and unpleasant attitude. In its literal sense, sourness is a quality rather than an action, and it is commonly used in phrases such as “the sourness of the milk” or “a sharp sourness.” In figurative use, it helps convey emotional acidity or displeasure, as in a voice marked by sourness. The word is useful because it names both a distinctive sensory quality and the emotional impression that can be described by the same metaphor.
The quality of having a sharp, acidic, or tart taste.
"The sourness of the citrus made the dish taste refreshing."
Often used with foods, drinks, and the sensation of taste.
Bitterness, resentment, or an unpleasant and critical attitude.
"Her reply was brief, but the sourness in it was unmistakable."
This figurative sense is established but less common than the literal culinary sense.
The plural is uncommon because the word usually refers to a single quality or state.
"The different sournesses of the cheeses were a matter of personal preference."
Sourness can describe more than an acidic lemon: figuratively, it names the sharpness left by resentment or failure.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sourness come from?
The word combines the adjective “sour” with the suffix “-ness,” which forms an abstract noun indicating a quality or state. “Sour” descends through Middle English from Old English “sūr,” an inherited Germanic word related to forms in other Germanic languages. The modern noun “sourness” therefore preserves the older sense of an acidic or astringent taste while extending naturally into figurative descriptions of bitterness.
Related word forms
How sourness is actually used
The noun is most commonly used for taste, especially in food and drink. Its figurative sense, referring to bitterness or resentment, is less frequent but established.