italki - “out of sorts” - for native speakers of English. According to several dictionaries “out of sorts” ha

Mikkel

“out of sorts” - for native speakers of English. According to several dictionaries “out of sorts” has two different meanings: 1. Somewhat ill. 2. Irritable; in low spirits. Are both meanings commonly used? If they are, one can only tell the meaning through the context in which someone might write for instance, “I have been feeling out of sorts lately”. Thanks for your help!

8 янв. 2017 г., 11:36

Ответы · 11

Both meanings are common here in England. In fact, I'm out of sorts today as I've got a bug (I've caught a cold). And because I'm out of sorts health-wise I'm out of sorts in temper too!!!!

8 января 2017 г.

Yes, I think that you can only really tell the meaning by the context. They are both pretty commonly used. Everyone will know what you mean if you say it in either context. :)

8 января 2017 г.

Both meanings are the common usages in AmE.

8 января 2017 г.

It can also mean that you are not performing well, for example when you are having a bad day in your job, you can say 'I'm out of sorts today' In fact, this meaning is the one I would most associate it with, and being ill too.

8 января 2017 г.