peevish

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "peevish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone in a bad temper whose mood is easily spoiled. Example sentence: "The child was feeling peevish and started to throw a tantrum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is not about secularists versus Islamists, it's about pluralism versus authoritarianism," commented one foreign diplomat.Mr Erdogan's peevish reaction to the tumult vindicated his critics.

The Economist

Other advanced economies in the West, the argument runs, are already ageing and shrinking and societies are becoming timid, peevish and introspective.

The Economist

The spectacle of (overwhelmingly white) delegates chanting "We did build it," in tones of peevish self-congratulation, looked like a party talking to itself.Before that, Mr Romney's first months as the presumptive nominee had been a study in frustration.

The Economist

In what many Chinese clearly see as a peevish dig at him, Mr Hu has scrapped the grandiose tradition of showy departure and return ceremonies for top leaders on foreign trips.Such simplicity from a leader strikes many in China as a refreshing change from the pomposity of Mr Jiang who, it was clear to see, enjoyed all the ceremony.

The Economist

It is not just that his expression suggested that the real Mr Bush is peevish rather than caring.

The Economist

But it is not the only thing that has the region feeling peevish.

The Economist

The strike has been suspended for today and tomorrow, but could yet resume in time to disrupt the opening game between Brazil and Croatia.With news like this it is little wonder that Brazilians are feeling peevish.

The Economist

His vice-president, Alexander Stephens, privately calls him "weak and vacillating, timid, petulant, peevish and obstinate".

The Economist

George Bush worked hard at appearing more sprightly and less peevish than he had in the first debate, in Miami: he even managed a self-deprecating joke about scowling.

The Economist

Which is just to say that the MSNBC crew is a pretty peevish bunch about now.10 37: Uh, I just got a call from a campaign operative in Georgia who wanted to tell me about his new running regiment.

The Economist

In exchange, Harvard plans to absorb Radcliffe's assets, including 20 acres of prime Cambridge property, and supplant its administration.The impending merger promises to end a history of peevish spats over campus buildings and competing fund-raising campaigns.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "peevish" to describe a temporary state of irritability, rather than a deeply ingrained personality trait. This adds nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid attributing "peevish" behavior to inherent character flaws. It often stems from temporary discomfort, stress, or unmet needs. A more insightful approach will consider the potential causes before resorting to judgement.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "peevish" functions primarily to describe a state of being easily irritated, complaining, or ill-tempered. Ludwig shows its usage in describing reactions, attitudes, and even the general feeling of a group of people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "peevish" is a versatile adjective used to describe someone who is easily irritated or complains frequently. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is to convey a negative sentiment regarding someone's mood or behavior. While "peevish" is a valuable descriptor, consider related terms like "irritable", "petulant", or "cranky" to fine-tune your writing and achieve greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irritable

Focuses on the easily provoked nature of the person.

petulant

Emphasizes childish sulkiness or bad temper.

testy

Highlights impatience and a tendency to snap.

cranky

Indicates general ill-temper, often due to tiredness or illness.

grumpy

Suggests a sullen and dissatisfied mood.

fretful

Conveys anxiety and restlessness expressed through complaining.

whining

Highlights the act of complaining in a high-pitched, irritating manner.

querulous

Implies a habit of complaining.

cantankerous

Suggests a stubborn and ill-tempered disposition.

waspish

Highlights a sharp and stinging irritability.

FAQs

How to use "peevish" in a sentence?

You can use "peevish" to describe someone who is easily irritated or complains frequently. For example, "The child was feeling peevish and started to throw a tantrum".

What can I say instead of "peevish"?

You can use alternatives like "irritable", "petulant", or "cranky" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "peevish" or "peeved"?

"Peevish" describes a general state of being easily irritated, while "peeved" describes a state of annoyance or resentment usually caused by a specific incident.

What's the difference between "peevish" and "petulant"?

"Peevish" implies a general state of irritability, while "petulant" suggests a more childish and sulky form of bad temper.