Sore  —adj. 1 (of a part of the body) painful. 2 suffering pain. 3 aggrieved, vexed. 4 archaic grievous or severe (in sore need). —n. 1 inflamed place on the skin or flesh. 2 source of distress or annoyance. —adv. Archaic grievously, severely.  soreness n. [old english]