Irascibility Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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irascibility

[ɪˌræsəˈbɪləti ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

emotional state

The quality of being easily angered or provoked to anger. Irascibility is often characterized by a quick temper and a tendency to react aggressively to minor irritations.

Synonyms

irritability, petulance, testiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
irascibility	Used to describe a tendency to get angry easily and often. His irascibility made him difficult to work with, as he would frequently lose his temper over small mistakes
irritability	Typically used to describe a state of being easily annoyed or upset, often because of stress, lack of sleep, or discomfort. She noticed her irritability increased significantly when she didn't get enough rest
testiness	Indicates a condition or behavior of being easily irritated or impatient. It's often used in light or casual contexts. Her colleagues were used to her testiness before her morning coffee
petulance	Describes a childish or sulky bad temper. It often carries a negative connotation and suggests a lack of maturity. His petulance was evident when he pouted after not getting his way during the meeting

Examples of usage

She was known for her irascibility, always ready to snap at the slightest provocation.
His irascibility often resulted in heated arguments with his colleagues.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

Individuals with high irascibility often experience increased stress and can have difficulty in managing relationships.
Psychologists suggest that understanding one's triggers can help in managing irascibility and reducing its impact.
Research shows that irascibility can sometimes stem from underlying issues such as anxiety or chronic stress.

Pop Culture

Many classic literature characters, such as Mr. Darcy from 'Pride and Prejudice', display traits of irascibility, making their arcs compelling.
In modern media, irascible characters often serve as comic relief, turning their anger into humorous situations.
Movies like 'Anger Management' highlight the concept of irascibility, illustrating its impact on both personal and professional lives.

Philosophy

Various philosophical traditions have explored the nature of anger, discussing its role in ethics and decision-making.
Aristotle viewed anger as a rational response in certain situations, but cautioned against excessive irascibility.
Stoic philosophy often encourages the control of emotions, viewing irascibility as a weakness that should be tempered.

Literature

Shakespeare's characters often display irascibility, revealing the complexities of human emotions in his plays.
The concept of irascibility appears frequently in existential literature, where characters grapple with intense feelings and conflict.
Authors like Charles Dickens employed irascible characters to critique societal norms and injustices.

Origin of 'irascibility'

Main points about word origin

The word 'irascibility' comes from the Latin 'irascibilis', which means 'easily provoked to anger'.
It is derived from 'irasci', meaning 'to be angry', linked to the word 'ira' for anger.
This term entered the English language in the late 16th century, reflecting a growing interest in emotions.

The word 'irascibility' has Latin origins, deriving from the Latin word 'irascibilis,' which means 'prone to anger.' The concept of irascibility has been explored in various philosophical and psychological contexts, with a focus on understanding and managing anger. The term has been used in literature and psychology to describe individuals who exhibit a quick and intense temper. Understanding irascibility can provide insights into human behavior and emotional responses.