testily
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: In an irritable, impatient, or petulant manner; showing annoyance.
Usage
The adverb "testily" is used to describe how someone speaks or acts when they are easily irritated, impatient, or in a bad temper. It modifies verbs, often verbs related to speaking (e.g., said, replied, asked).
Examples
- "" she said testily, losing her patience.
- The manager responded testily to the repeated questions about the delay.
- "" he muttered testily from behind his computer.
Advanced Usage
- "To answer/snap/speak testily": These collocations emphasize a short, sharp, and annoyed verbal response.
- When pressed for details, the official answered testily that the report spoke for itself.
- "To react/retort testily": Used to describe an annoyed or impatient reaction or reply.
- He reacted testily to the suggestion that his work was incomplete.
Variants and Related Words
- Testy (adjective): Easily irritated or annoyed; impatient and touchy.
- After a long flight, he was in a testy mood.
- Testiness (noun): The quality or state of being testy.
- There was a hint of testiness in her voice.
Synonyms
- Irritably
- Impatiently
- Petulantly
- Peevishly
- Snappishly
- Tartly
Antonyms
- Patiently
- Calmly
- Pleasantly
- Good-naturedly
Adverb
- in a petulant manner; `Go away!'"
- he said testily