shrewish
/'ʃru:iʃ/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having the qualities of a shrew; ill-tempered and nagging: Describes a person, typically a woman, who is habitually scolding, fault-finding, or aggressively quarrelsome.
Usage
- The adjective shrewish is used to characterize a person's disposition or behavior, implying persistent negativity, complaining, or sharp-tongued criticism. It is a descriptive term with a negative connotation, often considered outdated and potentially sexist, as it is historically and stereotypically applied to women.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- Literary/Archaic Context: The term is more common in literary descriptions or historical contexts, reflecting older stereotypes about gender and temperament.
- The old tale featured a shrewish queen whom the knight had to appease.
Variants and Related Words
- Shrew (n): A woman perceived as ill-tempered, nagging, or aggressive. (Note: This is the noun from which "shrewish" is derived.)
- Shrewishly (adv): In a shrewish manner.
- She argued shrewishly for over an hour.
- Shrewishness (n): The quality of being shrewish.
Synonyms
- Nagging: Persistently annoying or finding fault.
- Scolding: Harshly criticizing or rebuking.
- Quarrelsome: Inclined to argue or dispute.
- Ill-tempered: Easily annoyed or angered.
- Termagant (n, literary): A harsh-tempered or overbearing woman.
Antonyms
- Amiable: Friendly and pleasant.
- Good-natured: Kind, tolerant, and not easily annoyed.
- Compliant: Inclined to agree with others or obey rules.
- Gentle: Mild in temperament or behavior.
Adjective
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continually complaining or faultfinding
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a shrewish wife
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nagging parents
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