Curmudgeonly: meaning, definitions and examples

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curmudgeonly

 

[ kərˈmʌdʒ.ən.li ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing personality

Curmudgeonly refers to a person who is bad-tempered, difficult, and often disagreeable. This term is typically applied to older individuals who exhibit a cranky or irritable demeanor. They may often grumble or complain about situations and are generally unsociable. A curmudgeonly person prefers solitude over company and may express disdain for the whims of modern society.

Synonyms

cranky, grumpy, ill-tempered, sullen, surly

Examples of usage

  • My neighbor is a curmudgeonly old man who rarely smiles.
  • Despite his curmudgeonly appearance, he has a kind heart.
  • She has a curmudgeonly attitude towards the new generation.

Translations

Translations of the word "curmudgeonly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ranzinza

🇮🇳 कंजूस

🇩🇪 muffelig

🇮🇩 pemurung

🇺🇦 песимістичний

🇵🇱 zrzędliwy

🇯🇵 不機嫌な

🇫🇷 grincheux

🇪🇸 gruñón

🇹🇷 huysuz

🇰🇷 심술궂은

🇸🇦 عابس

🇨🇿 mrzutý

🇸🇰 mrzutý

🇨🇳 脾气坏的

🇸🇮 mračnjak

🇮🇸 fúllur

🇰🇿 қатал

🇬🇪 ბუზღუილი

🇦🇿 qırıcı

🇲🇽 malhumorado

Word origin

The term 'curmudgeon' dates back to the late 16th century, possibly derived from the early modern English word 'curmudgeon', which means a miser or a bad-tempered person. 'Curmudgeon' itself is believed to originate from uncertain sources, with one theory suggesting it comes from the French word 'coeur m'agen' meaning 'sour heart'. The word evolved over time to describe any surly or cantankerous character, often with connotations of age and misanthropy. The '-ly' suffix was added to form the adjective 'curmudgeonly', emphasizing the manner or behavior of being grumpy or irritable.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,360, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.