petulant

UK: ˈpetʃələnt | US: ˈpetʃələnt

Definition

  1. adj. (of a person or their manner) childishly sulky or bad-tempered.

Structure
petul <impudent>ant <adjective suffix>
Etymology

petul<impudent> + ant<adjective suffix>

  • petul: From Latin petulans (impudent, forward), derived from petere (to attack, seek). Originally implied boldness or insolence, later shifting to childish irritability.
  • ant: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a quality or state (e.g., "defiant," "radiant").

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin petulans, which described someone aggressively forward or insolent. Over time, the connotation softened to emphasize childish peevishness, reflecting how societal perceptions of "boldness" evolved. The suffix -ant solidifies its adjectival form, anchoring the modern sense of unreasonably irritable behavior.

Examples

  1. The petulant child refused to share his toys.

  2. Her petulant tone made negotiations difficult.

  3. He gave a petulant reply when criticized.

  4. The actor’s petulant outburst shocked the audience.

  5. Petulant demands rarely lead to productive solutions.