adj
moody
MOO-dee
adj
1
Prone to sudden changes in emotional state; temperamental.
"Teenagers can be moody, cheerful one minute and sullen the next."
2
Sulky, gloomy, or bad-tempered.
"He went quiet and moody after losing the match."
3
Having a dark, brooding, or atmospheric quality.
"The photographer specialised in moody black-and-white landscapes."
How to Use Moody
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGiven to bad or changeable moods, or (for art, photos, music) having a dark, atmospheric feel.
Common pairings
moody teenager
moody lighting
moody silence
Word Forms
moodier comparative, moodiest superlative
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Teenagers can be _____, cheerful one minute and sullen the next.
Etymology
From Old English modig ("brave, spirited"), built from mod ("mind, spirit") plus -y; the meaning drifted over time from "spirited" toward today's "prone to bad moods."