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

1. in a petulant manner; `Go away!'"
   • he said testily