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Petulant: meaning, definitions and examples

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petulant

 

[ ˈpɛtjʊlənt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

childishly sulky or bad-tempered

Synonyms

cranky, irritable, peevish

Examples of usage

  • She was in a petulant mood after losing the game.
  • Don't be so petulant just because things didn't go your way.
Context #2 | Adjective

expression

easily irritated or annoyed

Synonyms

fretful, testy, touchy

Examples of usage

  • His petulant expression showed his displeasure with the decision.
  • She gave a petulant sigh before storming out of the room.

Translations

Translations of the word "petulant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irritadiço

🇮🇳 चिड़चिड़ा (chīṛchīṛā)

🇩🇪 gereizt

🇮🇩 cerewet

🇺🇦 дратівливий

🇵🇱 drażliwy

🇯🇵 怒りっぽい (ikarippoi)

🇫🇷 irascible

🇪🇸 irritable

🇹🇷 huysuz

🇰🇷 성급한 (seonggeupan)

🇸🇦 سريع الغضب (sari' alghadib)

🇨🇿 popudlivý

🇸🇰 popudlivý

🇨🇳 暴躁 (bàozào)

🇸🇮 razdražljiv

🇮🇸 pirraður

🇰🇿 ашуланшақ

🇬🇪 გაბრაზებული (gabrazebuli)

🇦🇿 əsəbi

🇲🇽 irritable

Word origin

The word 'petulant' originated from the Latin word 'petulantem', which means insolent or impudent. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe someone who is childishly sulky or easily annoyed.

See also: pet, petite, pets, petting, petty.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,490, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.