—adj.
1 (of a part of the body) painful from injury or disease (has a sore arm).
2 (of a person) suffering pain.
3 (often foll. by about, at) aggrieved or vexed.
4 archaic grievous or severe (in sore need).
—n.
1 a sore place on the body.
2 a source of distress or annoyance (reopen old sores).
—adv. archaic grievously, severely.
Phrases and idioms:
sore point a subject causing distress or annoyance. sore throat an inflammation of the lining membrane at the back of the mouth etc.
Derivatives:
soreness n.
Etymology: OE sar (n. & adj.), sare (adv.), f. Gmc
Useful english dictionary. 2012.