churlish
/'tʃə:liʃ/
Definition
Adjective: 1. Rude in a mean-spirited and surly way: Describes someone who is deliberately ill-mannered, unfriendly, and lacking in social grace. 2. Of or resembling a churl; boorish: Pertaining to the coarse, uncultivated, or ill-bred behavior historically associated with a peasant or low-born person.
Usage
The word "churlish" is used to describe a person's character, behavior, or response. It implies a willful lack of courtesy, often stemming from a bad temper or a resentful, ungenerous nature. It is a formal and somewhat literary term of strong disapproval.
Examples
- It would be churlish to refuse such a generous offer.
- His churlish response to the simple question offended everyone in the room.
- The waiter's churlish attitude ruined the atmosphere of the fine restaurant.
Advanced Usage
- "Churlish to + verb": A common construction used to state that a particular negative action would be rude or ungracious.
- It seems churlish to complain when they have tried so hard to please us.
- "Churlish remark/behavior/response": Used to specify the rude manifestation of the attitude.
- She later apologized for her churlish remarks.
Variants and Related Words
- Churl (noun): A rude, ill-bred person; a boor. (The source word from which "churlish" is derived).
- Churlishly (adverb): In a churlish manner.
- He grunted churlishly and turned away.
- Churlishness (noun): The quality or state of being churlish.
- His constant churlishness made him very unpopular.
Synonyms
- Boorish: Rough and bad-mannered.
- Surly: Bad-tempered and unfriendly.
- Sullen: Bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy.
- Ill-mannered: Having bad manners.
- Ungracious: Not polite or friendly; not showing gratitude.
Antonyms
- Courteous
- Polite
- Gracious
- Gallant
- Genial
Idioms and Phrases
- To be churlish: This is the standard idiomatic use of the adjective itself.
- I don't want to be churlish, but I must point out the error in your plan.
Adjective
-
having a bad disposition; surly
-
churlish as a bear- Shakespeare
-
-
rude and boorish
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