Crossly: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.