Crossly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crossly

[หˆkrษ’sli ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'crossly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'crossly' comes from the Middle English term 'cros,' meaning angry or annoyed.
  • It is related to the Old Norse word 'krรณs,' 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.

The word 'crossly' is derived from the Middle English word 'crossli', which means 'in an angry or cross manner'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe actions or behaviors that are done in a negative, unfriendly, or contradictory manner.


See also: cross, crossable, crossbar, crossbow, crosser, crosshair, crossing, crosspiece, crossroad, crossroads, crossway, crosswise, uncrossable.

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.