Definition
Irascible means having or showing a tendency to be easily angered or provoked.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
irritable, testy, touchy, short-tempered, grumpy, crabby, cranky, peevish
Antonyms
even-tempered, laid-back, calm, patient, composed
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | irascibilities, irascibility |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | irascible |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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He’s an irascible old man who always complains about something.
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The boss is so irascible that everyone’s afraid to talk to him.
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She became increasingly irascible as the day wore on, snapping at everyone around her.
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His irascible temperament made it difficult to have a calm conversation with him.
Usage
The word irascible comes from the Latin word “irascibilis,” which means “prone to anger.” Someone who is irascible is easily provoked or annoyed and often has a quick temper. They may snap at others without much provocation, making it difficult for people to be around them. The term irascible is often used to describe a person who is prone to outbursts of anger or aggression.
The word irascible is commonly used in everyday language to describe someone who has a short fuse or a quick temper. It can be used to describe people of all ages and backgrounds. For example, an irascible child might throw a tantrum at the slightest provocation, while an irascible senior might become easily frustrated and upset by minor inconveniences.
The term irascible is often used to describe a temporary state of mind rather than a permanent personality trait. For example, someone who is normally calm and composed might become irascible if they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. In some cases, the term irascible is used to describe a chronic personality trait, such as in the case of someone with an anger management problem.
In literature and other forms of media, the word irascible is often used to describe characters who are difficult to get along with. For example, the famous literary character Ebenezer Scrooge is often described as irascible due to his sour disposition and grumpy demeanor. Overall, the word irascible is a useful term to describe people who are easily angered or provoked, and it is a common term in both everyday language and literature.