Crankily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crankily

[ˈkræŋkɪli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

manner of speaking

Crankily refers to the manner in which someone expresses their displeasure or irritability. It often indicates a negative emotional state characterized by grumpiness or a tendency to complain. When someone speaks crankily, their tone may be sharp or bitter, suggesting frustration or annoyance. This adverb is often used to describe interactions where the speaker seems bothered or upset by circumstances or others' behavior.

Synonyms

grumpily, irritably, moaningly, petulantly.

Examples of usage

  • She responded crankily to the repeated questions.
  • He spoke crankily after not getting enough sleep.
  • They left the meeting crankily, feeling unheard.

Translations

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Origin of 'crankily'

The word 'crankily' is derived from the adjective 'cranky', which dates back to the early 19th century. The origin of 'cranky' is believed to be rooted in the earlier term 'crank', which meant 'a whim or caprice'. Its use evolved over time to describe someone who is irritable or in a bad mood. The suffix '-ly' is added to form the adverb, allowing for the description of the manner in which someone expresses their crankiness. The adjective 'cranky' can be traced back to British English but became popular in American English in the 19th century. Overall, 'crankily' has come to symbolize a particular way of conveying displeasure, making it an important term in discussions of emotional expression.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,704, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.