ornery
Definition
- Adjective:
- Bad-tempered, difficult to deal with, and often stubborn: Describes a person who is easily annoyed, uncooperative, and inclined to be contrary or mean-spirited, often in a somewhat petty or grumpy way.
Usage
- The word "ornery" is used to describe a person's habitual disposition or mood. It suggests a combination of irritability, stubbornness, and a disagreeable nature. It is often applied to someone who is not just temporarily in a bad mood, but whose general character is difficult.
- It is typically used in informal contexts and can sometimes carry a slightly humorous or affectionate tone when describing someone's stubborn quirks, though it is fundamentally negative.
Examples
- Adjective:
- My grandfather became quite ornery in his old age, complaining about every little change.
- Don't be so ornery; I'm just trying to help you.
- The ornery mule refused to move no matter how much the farmer pulled.
Advanced Usage
- "To be/get in an ornery mood": To be or become temporarily difficult and contrary.
- Watch out, the boss is in an ornery mood today.
Variants and Related Words
- Orneriness (noun): The quality or state of being ornery.
- His constant orneriness made him hard to work with.
Synonyms
- Cantankerous: Bad-tempered and argumentative.
- Crotchety: Irritable, especially in an eccentric way.
- Contrary: Perversely inclined to disagree or oppose.
- Crusty: Abrupt or gruff in manner.
- Grouchy: Grumpy and irritable.
Antonyms
- Amiable: Having a friendly and pleasant manner.
- Agreeable: Enjoyable and pleasant to be with; willing to agree.
- Good-natured: Kind, tolerant, and not easily annoyed.
Adjective
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having a difficult and contrary disposition
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a cantankerous and venomous-tongued old lady- Dorothy Sayers
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