Petulant - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Petulant describes someone who is childishly sulky or bad-tempered, often over trivial matters. It suggests impatience and irritability, especially when demands are not met immediately.
Definition:
Childishly sulky or bad-tempered, often over trivial matters.
Synonyms:
Irritable, peevish, cranky, testy, grumpy
Part of Speech:
Adjective
Antonyms:
Patient, good-natured, cheerful
Common Collocations:
Petulant child, petulant tone, petulant outburst, petulant behavior
Derivatives:
Petulantly, petulance
Usage Tips:
Use "petulant" to describe someone acting immaturely irritable, especially when unjustified or exaggerated.
Common Phrases:
Petulant rage, petulant demand, petulant fit
Etymology:
From Latin *petulans* (impudent), related to *petere* (to attack or seek).
Examples:
- 1. The toddler became petulant when denied a second cookie.
- 2. Her petulant sigh showed she was annoyed by the delay.
- 3. He gave a petulant reply after losing the game.
- 4. The actor’s petulant behavior backstage frustrated the crew.