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adjective
1.
cross, querulous, or fretful, as from vexation or discontent: a peevish youngster.
2.
showing annoyance, irritation, or bad mood: a peevish reply; a peevish frown.
3.
perverse or obstinate.
Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English pevysh < ?
1350–1400; Middle English pevysh < ?
Related forms
pee·vish·ly, adverb
pee·vish·ness, noun
un·pee·vish, adjective
un·pee·vish·ly, adverb
un·pee·vish·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Peevish
is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
| a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes. |
Example Sentences
- The movie has the metabolism, logic and attention span of a peevish 6-year-old.
- While he can be peevish and even mean, he is also frequently funny and generous.
- Martin isn't a very likable character—he's peevish, disdainful and annoyingly self-important.
Collins
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
peevish
late 14c., peyvesshe "perverse, capricious, silly," of uncertain origin, possibly modeled on L. perversus "reversed, perverse," pp. of pervertere "to turn about" (see pervert). Meaning "cross, fretful" first recorded 1520s. The verb peeve is a 1908 back-formation; pet peeve
EXPAND"the thing that provokes one most" is first attested 1919.
COLLAPSE
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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