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Irritably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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irritably

[ˈɪr.ɪ.tə.bli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a way that shows annoyance or impatience

If someone does something irritably, they do it in a way that shows they are annoyed or impatient.

Synonyms

annoyedly, impatiently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
irritably

Used when someone is showing quick anger or annoyance due to minor discomfort or frustration.

  • He spoke irritably as he tried to fix the computer error
impatiently

When someone is showing a lack of patience, usually because of having to wait too long or because they are eager for something to happen soon.

  • The children waited impatiently for the concert to start
annoyedly

Best for situations where someone has been disturbed or bothered by something someone else did, often indicating a lower level of irritation compared to 'irritably'.

  • She sighed annoyedly when her coworker played loud music

Examples of usage

  • She sighed irritably and rolled her eyes.
  • He answered irritably, 'I don't know, leave me alone.'
Context #2 | Adverb

in a way that causes annoyance or irritation

If something is done irritably, it is done in a way that causes annoyance or irritation to others.

Synonyms

annoyingly, exasperatingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
irritably

Used to describe someone's manner when they are easily annoyed or angered because they are in a bad mood or something is bothering them.

  • She answered the phone irritably after being woken up early in the morning.
  • He looked at the noisy children irritably, tired of their constant shouting.
annoyingly

Used to describe something or someone that causes slight irritation or inconvenience. It’s often used in less intense situations compared to 'irritably'.

  • The internet connection kept dropping annoyingly during the video call.
  • Annoyingly, he kept tapping his pen on the table during the entire meeting.
exasperatingly

Used to describe something that causes intense frustration or anger, often because it is difficult to deal with or resolve. It carries a stronger negative connotation.

  • The printer exasperatingly jammed again just as I was trying to print an important document.
  • He exasperatingly explained the same concept for the fifth time, tired of repeating himself.

Examples of usage

  • The door slammed irritably behind him.
  • She spoke irritably, making everyone in the room uncomfortable.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Irritability can be a symptom of various mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
  • Studies have shown that stress can significantly increase irritability, highlighting the connection between mental states and emotional responses.
  • It often correlates with fatigue or insufficient sleep, indicating the body's need for rest.

Pop Culture

  • Various movies and TV shows depict irritable characters as comic relief, showcasing how frustrations can lead to humorous situations.
  • Social media often amplifies irritability as individuals express their frustrations over mundane happenings, ranging from traffic jams to slow service.
  • Music, especially in punk and rock genres, often expresses feelings of irritability and rebellion against societal norms.

Literature

  • Classic literature frequently features irritable characters, often as a reflection of deeper social criticisms or personal struggles.
  • In many novels, an irritable protagonist can serve as a vehicle for character development, illustrating their journey from anger to resolution.
  • Irritability in poetry is sometimes used to express existential frustration, highlighting the human condition.

Health

  • Chronic irritability can signal underlying health issues and is often evaluated in holistic approaches to well-being.
  • Diet, especially sugar and caffeine intake, has been linked to irritability in scientific studies.
  • Practicing mindfulness and stress-relief techniques can help reduce feelings of irritability and improve emotional regulation.

Origin of 'irritably'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'irritabilis,' meaning 'that can be excited.'
  • The root 'irrit' means to provoke or annoy, and the suffix '-ably' indicates a quality or manner of being.
  • The word first appeared in English in the late 16th century, showing how long this feeling has been part of human experience.

The word 'irritably' is derived from the adjective 'irritable', which dates back to the late 16th century. It stems from the Latin word 'irritabilis', meaning 'excitable' or 'easily provoked'. Over time, the adverb 'irritably' developed to describe actions or behaviors that demonstrate annoyance or impatience. It has since become a commonly used term in English language to convey feelings of irritation or frustration.

See also: irritable, irritated, irritating, irritatingly, irritation, irritator.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,138, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.