YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

petulant

Adjective

IPA /ˈpetʃələnt/

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Meaning in plain English

Showing childish anger or annoyance because you cannot have your own way.

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Pronunciation

petulant/ˈpetʃələnt/

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The group chooses a different film
One person sulks and complains
They refuse to join in

A petulant response shows childish irritation at not getting your own way.

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Examples in context

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He gave a petulant sigh when we chose a different film.
Her petulant response to feedback made the group discussion harder.

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He gave a ________ sigh when we chose a different film.

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petulant — Showing childish anger or annoyance because you cannot have your own way.

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Showing childish anger or annoyance because you cannot have your own way.

Compare: He gave a petulant sigh when we chose a different film.

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Word origin

From French petulant and Latin petulant-, meaning impudent; the modern sense developed later.

Did you know?

Petulant often describes a tone, reply or outburst, not just a person.

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