Definition

The quality of being rude, unfriendly, or ill-tempered.

Example

His churlishness made it difficult for others to work with him.

Conversation

I really don't understand his churlishness lately.

Yeah, it's surprising how rude he's become.

I wonder if something happened to make him act that way.

Maybe he just needs some time to cool off and reflect.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Churlishness → It is formed from "churl" (from Old English *ceorl*, meaning a peasant or a man of low birth) and "-ish" (meaning having the quality of) combined with "-ness" (meaning the state or condition of). The word "churlishness" refers to the state of being rude or surly, reflecting the original connotation of a churl as someone who is ill-mannered or uncivilized.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'churl' as someone who is rude or ill-mannered, and remember that 'churlishness' describes the state of being that way.

Visually Confused Words