English vocabulary · C2
Petulant
/ˈpetʃ.ə.lənt/ · adj.
A petulant person acts like an angry child when things do not go their way. Even a small no can bring a bad mood and rude words.
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Example sentences
- The petulant boy refused lunch.
- She gave a petulant cry and left.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- petulans — rude (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- SULKY — silent and unhappy (Quiet Bad Mood)
- PEEVISH — easily annoyed (Small Things Annoy)
- CROSS — angry and annoyed (Quick To Get Angry)
Similar words
- sulky
- peevish
- irritable
- querulous
- pettish
Lesson notes
A petulant person acts like an angry child when things do not go their way. Even a small no can bring a bad mood and rude words.
Related: sulky, peevish, cross. Use petulant when no brings childish anger.
The petulant boy refused lunch. She gave a petulant cry and left.
From Latin. Petulans- means rude. Rude over one small cake, the petulant guest will not smile.