— soreness , n.
/sawr, sohr/ , adj., sorer, sorest , n. , adv.
adj.
1. physically painful or sensitive, as a wound, hurt, or diseased part: a sore arm.
2. suffering bodily pain from wounds, bruises, etc., as a person: He is sore because of all that exercise.
3. suffering mental pain; grieved, distressed, or sorrowful: to be sore at heart.
4. causing great mental pain, distress, or sorrow: a sore bereavement.
5. causing very great suffering, misery, hardship, etc.: sore need.
6. Informal. annoyed; irritated; offended; angered: He was sore because he had to wait.
7. causing annoyance or irritation: a sore subject.
n.
8. a sore spot or place on the body.
9. a source or cause of grief, distress, irritation, etc.
adv.
10. Archaic. sorely.
[ bef. 900; ME (adj., n., and adv.); OE sar; c. D zeer, G sehr, ON sarr ]
Syn. 1. tender. 3. aggrieved, hurt, pained, vexed. 4. grievous, distressing, painful, depressing. 8. infection, abscess, ulcer, wound.