restive — unable to remain still, impatient, or unwilling to be controlled
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: unable to remain still, impatient, or unwilling to be controlled
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈrestɪv/
Example Sentences
- The students became restive during the three-hour lecture about tax regulations.
- My cat gets restive whenever the vacuum cleaner comes out of the closet.
- The audience grew restive as the politician avoided answering the direct question.
restive
ADJECTIVE[/ˈrestɪv/]
unable to remain still, impatient, or unwilling to be controlled
The restive horse stomps and snorts, refusing the knight's command to stay still.
Rest? I've had enough - time to move and be restive!
The restive horse won't join the festive scene, despite digestive treats!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'restare' meaning 'to remain or stay behind,' but ironically developed to mean 'unable to stay still.' The word reflects the psychology of becoming more restless when forced to remain in place.
Breakdown
rest- (to remain, stay) + -ive (adjective suffix meaning 'tending to' or 'having the quality of')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The students became restive during the three-hour lecture about tax regulations.”
“My cat gets restive whenever the vacuum cleaner comes out of the closet.”
“The audience grew restive as the politician avoided answering the direct question.”
“Children become restive when they're kept indoors on a sunny day.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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