cantankerous — bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative
Pronunciation (IPA): /kænˈtæŋkərəs/
Example Sentences
- My cantankerous neighbor argues with delivery drivers about where to park.
- The cantankerous cat hissed at everyone except its owner.
- He becomes more cantankerous when he's hungry.
cantankerous
ADJECTIVE[/kænˈtæŋkərəs/]
bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative
The cantankerous old neighbor yells at kids for stepping near his lawn.
The cantankerous old man grows rancorous!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The origin of 'cantankerous' is uncertain, but it likely derives from the Middle English or Old English word 'cant' (meaning to whine or speak hypocritically) combined with the suffix '-ankerous' of unclear origin, possibly influenced by words like 'rancorous'.
Breakdown
cant- (whine, hypocritical speech) + -ankerous (suffix of uncertain origin, possibly related to 'rancor') = cantankerous (quarrelsome, bad-tempered)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cantankerous neighbor argues with delivery drivers about where to park.”
“The cantankerous cat hissed at everyone except its owner.”
“He becomes more cantankerous when he's hungry.”
“The cantankerous professor gave pop quizzes whenever students seemed too relaxed.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.