petulant

/'petjulənt/

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Explanation of the Word "Petulant"

Definition: The word "petulant" is an adjective that describes someone who is easily irritated or annoyed, often in a childish or sulky manner. A petulant person might react with bad temper or impatience over small things.

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or formal writing, "petulant" can be used to describe adults who are acting immaturely or are overly sensitive about trivial issues.
• It can also describe a situation where someone's mood is easily disrupted.

Word Variants:

1. Petulance (noun): The quality of being petulant.

   • Example: "Her petulance during meetings made it difficult for colleagues to work with her."

2. Petulantly (adverb): In a petulant manner.

   • Example: "He petulantly complained about the delay in the project."

Different Meanings:

• While "petulant" primarily refers to irritability and annoyance, it can also reflect a sense of entitlement, where a person expects things to go their way and reacts negatively when they do not.

Synonyms:

• Irritable
• Grumpy
• Cranky
• Touchy
• Sulky

Antonyms:

• Patient
• Serene
• Easygoing
• Content

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Although there aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "petulant," you might come across expressions like:
  • "Throw a tantrum": To behave in a petulant manner, usually used for children but can also apply to adults in a similar context.
  • "In a huff": To be in a bad mood or sulky, reflecting a petulant attitude.

Summary:

In summary, "petulant" describes a person who is easily annoyed and often displays childish behavior. You can use it to highlight immaturity in both children and adults.

Academic

Adjective

1. easily irritated or annoyed
   • an incorrigibly fractious young man
   • not the least nettlesome of his countrymen