a peevish temper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a peevish temper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is easily irritated or prone to complaining. Example: "Her peevish temper made it difficult for her to enjoy the party, as she constantly found fault with everything around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her misbehaviour "broke her mother's heart" and "hastened her death"; Jane's guilt over this event and: her peevish temper, preyed on her impaired constitution.

Wikipedia

His previous concert there, almost exactly a year ago, was by all accounts a peevish affair, pockmarked by complaints from the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

What a peevish bunch.

The New Yorker

It was a peevish comment.

The New York Times - Sports

(Imagine Lucille Ball with a peevish English accent).

The New Yorker

The scene came alive: a stoic cop and a peevish one, an uncoöperative subject, mounting suspicion.

The New Yorker

The notebooks are a record of a peevish soul trying to break out of a trap.

The New Yorker

Wolfgang chafes at authority and sometimes throws things the way a peevish boy his age might.

The New York Times

He is a peevish fault-finder who gets what he deserves.

The New Yorker

And a peevish and snarling Mary Astor turns up in the role.

The New York Times

It is that of a peevish man unexpectedly required to put in some overtime.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, consider using "a peevish temper" to subtly indicate underlying frustration or dissatisfaction. This can add depth to the character without resorting to overtly aggressive behavior.

Common error

Avoid making "a peevish temper" the sole defining characteristic of a character. Instead, use it as one aspect of a more complex personality. Exploring the reasons behind the temper will create a more compelling narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a peevish temper" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes a characteristic or disposition. It combines the adjective "peevish", which modifies the noun "temper", to specify a particular kind of temperamental tendency. Although Ludwig does not provide an extensive range of examples, it can be used to characterize a person's behavior or emotional state.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a peevish temper" is a grammatically sound way to describe someone who is easily irritated or tends to complain. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though the tool shows few examples of its use in contemporary English. The phrase is neither overly formal nor informal and serves to convey a sense of mild annoyance. If you're aiming for more vibrant expression, alternatives such as "irritable disposition" or "cranky nature" could be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an irritable disposition

This alternative focuses on the overall tendency to be easily annoyed, rather than a specific instance of bad temper.

a cranky nature

This suggests a general tendency to be grumpy and difficult to please, often implying a more prolonged state.

a testy mood

This describes a temporary state of impatience and irritability, less ingrained than a temper.

a resentful attitude

This highlights the feeling of bitterness and displeasure that can fuel a bad temper.

a complaining spirit

This emphasizes the tendency to find fault and express dissatisfaction.

a discontented mindset

This indicates a general dissatisfaction with circumstances, which can lead to peevishness.

a touchy demeanor

This implies sensitivity and a proneness to taking offense easily.

a sulky disposition

This suggests a silent and withdrawn expression of displeasure.

a snappish manner

This emphasizes the tendency to respond with sharp or curt remarks.

a fractious temperament

This refers to a state of being easily upset or difficult to control, suggesting a more volatile nature.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with "a peevish temper" without using that exact phrase?

You can use alternatives like "irritable disposition", "cranky nature", or "testy mood" to convey a similar meaning.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a peevish temper"?

The phrase is suitable when describing someone who is easily annoyed or prone to complaining about minor things. It suggests a milder form of anger or frustration.

What's the difference between "a peevish temper" and "a bad temper"?

"A peevish temper" implies a more subdued and whiny form of anger, while "a bad temper" suggests a stronger and potentially explosive reaction. "Peevish" focuses more on irritation and complaining.

Is "a peevish temper" considered a formal or informal expression?

The phrase is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might be more common in descriptive writing than in everyday conversation.