Definition

Noun: - An irritable, petulant feeling or mood: A state of being easily annoyed, impatient, or ill-tempered, often over trivial matters. It implies a childish or unreasonable irritability. - The quality or state of being petulant: The characteristic of being sulky, peevish, or showing sudden, impatient irritation.

Usage

"Petulance" is used to describe a person's temporary mood or a more general character trait. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting behavior that is immature, unreasonable, or difficult to please. It is typically used in formal or literary contexts.

Examples

• The child's constant petulance made the long car journey very difficult for the parents.
• He replied with a tone of petulance, frustrated that his demands were not met immediately.
• Her petulance when she loses a game is quite off-putting to the other players.

Advanced Usage

• "with petulance": Used to describe an action done in a petulant manner.
  • "I don't want to," she said with petulance, crossing her arms.
• "a fit/bout of petulance": Describes a temporary, often sudden, display of this irritable mood.
  • The famous actor was known for his occasional fits of petulance on set.

Variants and Related Words

• Petulant (adjective): Having or showing the irritable mood described by "petulance".
  • a petulant child
  • a petulant remark
• Petulantly (adverb): In a petulant manner.
  • He sighed petulantly.

Synonyms

• Peevishness: The quality of being easily irritated, especially by unimportant things.
• Irritability: The state of being easily annoyed or provoked.
• Sulkiness: A mood or display of silent resentment and ill humor.
• Testiness: The quality of being touchy and easily annoyed.

Antonyms

• Good humor: A cheerful, amiable state of mind.
• Patience: The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
• Amenability: The quality of being open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled.

Noun

1. an irritable petulant feeling