Pettish
adjective
Acting in an irritable or impatient way, especially over small matters.
He became pettish when he didn't get his way in the game.
Often appears as...
- become pettish
- grow pettish
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Acting in an irritable or impatient way, especially over small matters.
He became pettish when he didn't get his way in the game.
Often appears as...
- become pettish
- grow pettish
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Slight Irritation
'Pettish' implies a minor annoyance or irritability, not extreme anger.
She responded in a pettish tone, clearly annoyed by the trivial interruption.
Pro Tip 2/3Common Misuse
Do not confuse 'pettish' with 'petty.' 'Pettish' describes behavior, 'petty' often describes actions or things.
His pettish behavior at the party was due to unimportant reasons, but it wasn't right to call his concerns petty.
Pro Tip 3/3Mood Context
Use 'pettish' to describe temporary moods or attitudes, not someone’s overall personality.
After missing her coffee, she was pettish all morning but returned to her cheerful self by lunchtime.
Pro Tip 1/3Slight Irritation
'Pettish' implies a minor annoyance or irritability, not extreme anger.
She responded in a pettish tone, clearly annoyed by the trivial interruption.
Pro Tip 2/3Common Misuse
Do not confuse 'pettish' with 'petty.' 'Pettish' describes behavior, 'petty' often describes actions or things.
His pettish behavior at the party was due to unimportant reasons, but it wasn't right to call his concerns petty.
Pro Tip 3/3Mood Context
Use 'pettish' to describe temporary moods or attitudes, not someone’s overall personality.
After missing her coffee, she was pettish all morning but returned to her cheerful self by lunchtime.
Pro Tip 1/3Slight Irritation
'Pettish' implies a minor annoyance or irritability, not extreme anger.
She responded in a pettish tone, clearly annoyed by the trivial interruption.
Pro Tip 2/3Common Misuse
Do not confuse 'pettish' with 'petty.' 'Pettish' describes behavior, 'petty' often describes actions or things.
His pettish behavior at the party was due to unimportant reasons, but it wasn't right to call his concerns petty.
Pro Tip 3/3Mood Context
Use 'pettish' to describe temporary moods or attitudes, not someone’s overall personality.
After missing her coffee, she was pettish all morning but returned to her cheerful self by lunchtime.
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Quote examples
Burt Reynolds
American Actor
I sometimes will be very shut off from everybody. I can be very pettish and sometimes not available when you need me. At those times, I'm very selfish and worrying about my own problems.
Quote examples
Burt Reynolds
American Actor
I sometimes will be very shut off from everybody. I can be very pettish and sometimes not available when you need me. At those times, I'm very selfish and worrying about my own problems.
Example 1 of 1
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