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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
peevishness
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "peevishness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being irritable or easily annoyed, often in a petty or childish manner. Example: "Her peevishness was evident when she complained about the smallest inconveniences throughout the day."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
51 human-written examples
The return to the frustrations and reverses of everyday diplomacy is uncomfortable, no doubt; and if America withdraws or lapses into peevishness, dangerous as well.
News & Media
And German women all too often accept the negative image of working mothers by shying away from top jobs.In this section The ever lengthening road Delay, delay A plague on both your houses Popular peevishness Candidate inflation Still a man's world A European values debate ReprintsTradition makes things worse.
News & Media
Without support from the UDC, the centre-right is doomed to perpetual opposition.In this section The ever lengthening road Delay, delay A plague on both your houses Popular peevishness Candidate inflation Still a man's world A European values debate Reprints Related items Spain's bickering opposition: Popular peevishnessDec 7th 2006Why is Mr Casini rebelling?
News & Media
This caused mounting fury among those who liked the constitution (Belgium's soon-to-depart prime minister threw the loudest tantrum, shouting at the Dutch that they were "hollowing out" the European project).Such peevishness was irrational, in one sense: Belgium wanted the constitution and got a text pretty much like it, albeit spattered in footnotes.
News & Media
As the evidence leant towards the second, voters who had been ready to vote for the PP shifted.In this section The ever lengthening road Delay, delay A plague on both your houses Popular peevishness Candidate inflation Still a man's world A European values debate ReprintsProsecutors and police are now convinced that only radical Muslims were involved.
News & Media
Is the politics of morality becoming more widespread in Europe (just as, ironically, it may be becoming less influential in America)?In this section The ever lengthening road Delay, delay A plague on both your houses Popular peevishness Candidate inflation Still a man's world A European values debate ReprintsAs a general rule, "moral politics" comes to the fore in two possible ways.
News & Media
Though it began in puns and peevishness, it warmed up during the 19th century with John Leech, Charles Keene, George Du Maurier, and in the 20th century with George Belcher, "Fougasse" (Kenneth Bird), H.M. Bateman, Nicolas Bentley, E.H. Shepard, and Osbert Lancaster.
Encyclopedias
The peevishness seems such a schoolboy error on Campbell's part: much more stylish to have laughed along, or else to have risen above it and maintained an Olympian silence.
News & Media
Sometimes, however, it is Bloomberg's own peevishness that distracts from pressing issues, as was the case with Governor Paterson's announcement of a marriage-equality bill, in April.
News & Media
Ravi and Tam also found questions about anti-virus software and contributions to a Web site of counter-revolutionary peevishness called Anythingbutipod.
News & Media
Henry, a self-described "intellectual playwright," responds to Charlotte's wry peevishness with light, self-involved talk that goes on and on.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "peevishness" to specifically describe a state of being easily irritated or annoyed, especially over trivial matters. This word effectively conveys a sense of pettiness and ill-temper.
Common error
Avoid using "peevishness" when describing intense anger or rage. "Peevishness" implies a milder, more petty form of irritation, not outright fury.
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "peevishness" is as a noun. It refers to the state or quality of being peevish, denoting a condition of irritability or annoyance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
86%
Encyclopedias
4%
Science
2%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
"Peevishness" is a noun denoting a state of irritability or annoyance, often concerning trivial matters. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically sound and frequently used. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, with neutral to formal register. Its function is to describe a specific negative mood, and related terms include ""irritability"" and ""petulance"". A key writing tip is to avoid using "peevishness" when a stronger emotion like anger is intended. This word offers precision when describing a mild but noticeable state of irritation.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
irritability
Focuses more on the general tendency to become easily annoyed or angered.
petulance
Emphasizes a childish display of bad temper and impatience.
querulousness
Highlights a complaining or whining attitude.
testiness
Suggests a short-tempered and irritable mood.
crabbiness
Implies a sour and ill-tempered disposition.
grouchiness
Describes a habitually grumpy and sullen demeanor.
cantankerousness
Indicates a bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative nature.
irascibility
Refers to a tendency to be easily provoked to anger.
grumpiness
Focuses on a sulky and dissatisfied mood.
bad temper
A general state of being easily angered.
FAQs
How can I accurately use "peevishness" in a sentence?
Use "peevishness" to describe a state of being easily irritated or annoyed, often about minor things. For example, "His "peevishness" was triggered by the slightest delay".
What are some synonyms for "peevishness"?
Alternatives to "peevishness" include "irritability", "petulance", and "querulousness", each carrying slightly different connotations.
Is it appropriate to use "peevishness" in formal writing?
"Peevishness" can be used in formal writing, but consider the context. While grammatically correct, it may sometimes sound less formal than alternatives like ""irritability"" or "discontent".
What's the difference between "peevishness" and "anger"?
"Peevishness" implies a milder form of annoyance and irritation, often over trivial matters. "Anger" is a stronger, more intense emotion. Someone exhibiting "peevishness" might complain about minor inconveniences, while someone experiencing anger might express outrage or rage.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
92%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested