biliously
Definition
Adverb: "biliously" describes an action or state performed in a manner that is irritable, bad-tempered, or peevish. It derives from the adjective "bilious," which originally related to bile (a bodily fluid) but now primarily denotes a sour or angry disposition.
Usage Examples
- (He reacted in a bad-tempered, irritable way.)
- (She looked with an angry, peevish expression.)
- (He spoke in a grumpy, discontented manner.)
Advanced Usage
"to speak biliously": to express oneself in a harsh or spiteful tone.
- The critic wrote biliously about the film, calling it a waste of time. (The critic wrote in a spiteful, angry manner.)
"to behave biliously": to act with irritability or ill temper.
- After a sleepless night, he behaved biliously toward everyone he met. (He acted in a peevish, irritable way.)
Variants and Related Words
Bilious (adj): irritable, bad-tempered; also relating to bile.
- His bilious remarks offended the entire table. (His irritable comments caused offense.)
Biliousness (n): the quality of being irritable or peevish.
- Her biliousness made it hard to work with her. (Her irritable nature created difficulty.)
Synonyms
- Peevishly: in a manner showing irritation or annoyance.
- Irascibly: in a way that is easily angered.
- Sourly: in a bitter or resentful manner.
Related Idioms
To have a bilious look: to appear angry or displeased.
- He gave me a bilious look when I asked for a raise. (He gave me an angry, disapproving expression.)
Bilious humor: a mood of irritability or grumpiness.
- She was in a bilious humor after the long flight. (She was in an irritable mood.)