Definition

The quality of being easily annoyed or irritated, often resulting in a bad temper or sulky behavior.

Example

Her pettishness made it difficult for her friends to enjoy their time together.

Conversation

I noticed you've been a bit more irritable lately, is everything okay?

Yeah, I think I just have a touch of pettishness today.

That makes sense, we all have those days sometimes.

True! Hopefully, it passes soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pettishness → It is formed from "pettish" (from Middle English *pettysh*, meaning irritable or peevish) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "pettishness" refers to the state of being irritable or easily annoyed.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'irritable' ('pettish') and how that describes their 'state' ('-ness') of being easily annoyed.

Visually Confused Words