peevish

ˈpiːvɪʃ

3 definitions

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#1·7h ago

Constantly complaining, especially in a childish way due to insignificant matters; fretful, whiny.

Due to the long wait, there were several peevish patients in the doctor’s waiting room.

Origin: The is derived from Late , peuysche, pevish, pevysh; further etymology , possibly from one of the following: * From an unattested word, from , the of pervertō, from per- + vertō (ultimately from ). However, the Oxford English Dictionary says this derivation “presents some formal difficulties”. * From + . *Expaive is an unattested variant of , (referring to the behaviour of stray animals; modern ), from , from ex- + pavidus (from paveō (ultimately from ) + -idus). The is derived from the adjective. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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#2·7h ago

Quick to become bad-tempered or cross, especially due to insignificant matters; irritable, pettish, petulant.

I would rather figure things out on my own than ask that peevish librarian for help.

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#3·7h ago

(Canada, Northern England, figurative) Of weather: blustery, windy; also, of wind: cold and strong; bitter, sharp.

Serene he bears the peeviſh eaſtern blaſt, / And uninfected breaths the mortal South.

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