Definition

In a way that is difficult to deal with or irritable, often showing a bad temper.

Example

He cantankerously refused to cooperate with the team.

Conversation

I don't know why he always acts so cantankerously during meetings.

Yeah, it's like he enjoys being difficult for no reason.

I just wish he would share his thoughts without being so grumpy.

Same here! It would make everything so much easier.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cantankerously → It is formed from "cantankerous" (originating from a dialectal variant of the word, possibly from the Middle English *cantankere*, meaning ill-tempered or quarrelsome) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "cantankerously" means in a manner that is ill-tempered or quarrelsome.

Memory Tip

Think of someone behaving in an ill-tempered way — that's what 'cantankerously' means, describing actions done in a quarrelsome manner.

Visually Confused Words