Peevish

/ˈpiːvɪʃ/ · adjective

Meaning

Constantly complaining, especially in a childish way due to insignificant matters; fretful, whiny..

Definitions by Sense

1. Constantly complaining, especially in a childish way due to insignificant matters; fretful, whiny.
2. Quick to become bad-tempered or cross, especially due to insignificant matters; irritable, pettish, petulant.
3. (Canada, Northern England, figurative) Of weather: blustery, windy; also, of wind: cold and strong; bitter, sharp.
4. Coy, modest.
5. Foolish, silly.
6. Harmful, injurious; also, mischievous; or malicious, spiteful.
7. Impulsive and unpredictable; capricious, fickle.
8. Obstinately in the wrong; perverse, stubborn.

Example Sentences

Due to the long wait, there were several peevish patients in the doctor’s waiting room.

[T]he nature of religion, […] showeth it consisteth […] not in a peevish crossness and obstinate repugnancy to received laws and customs, but in a quiet and peaceable submission to the express laws of God, and lawful commands of man; […]

This makes his own mind untroubled, and consequently unapt to vent peevish expressions, or give passionate or inconsistent orders to those about him.

[T]he luckless Kitty continued in the parlour repining at her fate in terms as unreasonable as her accent was peevish.

There is E——, […] querulous and dictatorial, and with a peevish whine in his voice like a beaten school-boy.

Our tragedian was a rough joker off the stage; our prime clown the most peevish mortal living. The latter used to go about snapping and snarling, with a broad laugh painted on his countenance; […] there is no more melancholy creature in existence than a mountebank off duty.

I would rather figure things out on my own than ask that peevish librarian for help.

The follest slouen ondyr heuen, / Prowde, peuiche, lyddyr, and lewde, / Malapert, medyllar, nothyng well thewde, […]

Synonyms for peevish

Antonyms for peevish

Related Words

Word Forms

• more peevish
• most peevish
• pevish
• pievish

Usage Notes

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