Crossly: meaning, definitions and examples

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crossly

 

[ˈkrɒsli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a negative or unfriendly manner

In a cross or angry manner; with a frown or scowl.

Synonyms

angrily, irritably, testily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crossly

Used when someone is mildly angry, often in a way that can seem a bit childish or impatient.

  • He looked at me crossly when I interrupted his game
  • She crossly refused to finish her dinner
angrily

Used in situations where someone is feeling strong anger or rage, often showing it through their words or actions.

  • She angrily slammed the door behind her
  • He spoke angrily to the waiter after waiting for an hour
irritably

Used to describe someone who is annoyed or easily annoyed, often over small things.

  • He irritably waved away the buzzing fly
  • She replied irritably when asked the same question for the third time
testily

Used when someone is responding in a sharp or impatient manner, often because they are slightly annoyed or on edge.

  • He testily answered the phone, clearly in no mood for a conversation
  • She testily told her child to stop whining

Examples of usage

  • He looked at her crossly, clearly annoyed by her interruption.
  • She responded crossly, saying she didn't appreciate his tone.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a contradictory or opposing manner

In a manner that is contradictory or contrary to something else.

Synonyms

contradictorily, contrarily, oppositely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crossly

Use 'crossly' when someone is speaking in an angry or annoyed manner.

  • She replied crossly when he kept interrupting her work.
  • He spoke crossly to the children after they broke the vase.
contrarily

Use 'contrarily' when something is done in a way that is opposite or different from what is expected or desired.

  • Contrarily, she decided to go out despite the bad weather.
  • He behaved contrarily, doing the exact opposite of what was suggested.
oppositely

Use 'oppositely' when describing something that is directly opposed or completely different from something else.

  • The two siblings are oppositely inclined; one loves sports while the other prefers reading.
  • Their views on the topic are oppositely aligned.
contradictorily

Use 'contradictorily' when something is done in a way that is saying or showing the opposite of what someone else said, often causing confusion.

  • He spoke contradictorily, making it hard to understand his true opinion.
  • The instructions were given contradictorily, leading to mistakes.

Examples of usage

  • She shook her head crossly, indicating she disagreed with his statement.
  • He answered crossly, insisting that he was right.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'crossly' comes from the Middle English term 'cros,' meaning angry or annoyed.
  • It is related to the Old Norse word 'krós,' which also conveys the idea of being angry or fierce.
  • The usage of 'cross' as a term for anger can be traced back to the 15th century.

Psychology

  • Expressions of anger like crossing your arms or frowning communicate emotional discomfort.
  • Research shows that feeling cross or angry can trigger a fight-or-flight response in the brain.
  • Psychologists note that expressing cross feelings can sometimes lead to conflict resolution when done appropriately.

Literature

  • Many authors use characters behaving crossly to build tension in stories, showcasing human emotions.
  • In classic literature, cross behavior often reflects societal discontent, highlighting character flaws or struggles.
  • The portrayal of anger in diverse genres can provide insight into the human condition and societal critiques.

Pop Culture

  • In film and TV, cross characters often become comedic relief, using their grumpiness for humor.
  • Iconic characters like 'Grumpy Cat' became symbols of the cross personality, gaining immense social media following.
  • The portrayal of cross individuals can serve as a critique of societal pressures and the importance of humor in difficult situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "crossly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irritadamente

🇮🇳 क्रोधित होकर (krodhit hokar)

🇩🇪 verärgert

🇮🇩 dengan marah

🇺🇦 роздратовано

🇵🇱 gniewnie

🇯🇵 怒って (okotte)

🇫🇷 avec colère

🇪🇸 enojado

🇹🇷 kızgın bir şekilde

🇰🇷 화가 나서 (hwaga naseo)

🇸🇦 بغضب (bighadab)

🇨🇿 naštvaně

🇸🇰 nahnevane

🇨🇳 生气地 (shēngqì de)

🇸🇮 jezno

🇮🇸 reiðulega

🇰🇿 ашуланып

🇬🇪 გაბრაზებით (gabrazebit)

🇦🇿 əsəbi halda

🇲🇽 enojado

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,077 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.