irascible - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
irascible Word Meanings
- easily provoked to anger
- quick to anger
- irritable
irascible Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
irascible Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪˈræsɪbəl/
US
/ɪˈræsəbl/
irascible Word Etymology
Root: ira (Latin for 'anger') + -scible (able to be). Historical Origin: Latin 'irascibilis' to Old French, then to English. Memory Image: Picture a lion, its temper flaring at the slightest disturbance, roaring in anger, embodying someone irascible who reacts fiercely to irritations.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
irascible describes a temperament that is easily provoked to anger and quick to anger, often reacting with sharp words or abrupt temper. It is stronger than simply being irritable and can imply a tendency to flare up at small annoyances. In usage, irascible typically characterizes people, sometimes a situation that triggers a sudden outburst, rather than a steady mood. It can carry a somewhat old fashioned tone, and you might hear it in phrases like an irascible old man or an irascible boss. Visualize a lion whose temper flaring at the slightest disturbance, roaring in anger, embodying someone irascible who reacts fiercely to irritations.
Usage Reminders
- Use to describe a lasting temperament, not a passing mood.
- Differentiate from irritable for intensity.
- Typically about people (occasionally fictionally about animals).
- Pair with nouns like temper, mood, disposition.
- Avoid casual, everyday conversations unless the context is literary.
- Note the pronunciation: /ɪˈræs.ɪ. bəl/.
Common Misconceptions
- It means angry all the time, which it does not; it marks a tendency, not a daily mood.
- It is the same as irritability in all contexts.
- It only describes people, never characters or animals in fiction.
- It implies violence or aggression, which is not required by the word.
- Learners often mispronounce the second syllable; stress is on the second syllable.
Thinking Differences
English tends to describe temperaments with specific adjectives that signal durability of a trait; learners often confuse irascible with irritable or short-tempered in casual speech.
Learning Tips
- Learn collocations: irascible temper, irascible mood, irascible reaction.
- Compare with irritable and short-tempered to sense strength.
- Use in narrative contexts to describe a character.
- Remember the memory image of a lion to reinforce the sense of sudden anger.
- Practice with 2-3 sentences per day.
- Check pronunciation: /ɪˈræs.ɪ. bəl/.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'irascible'?
A.Cheerful and joyful
B.Easily provoked to anger
C.Calm and composed
D.Friendly and agreeable
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'irascible' correctly?
A.Her irascible nature made it difficult for her to maintain friendships.
B.The irascible sun shone brightly on the beach.
C.He found the irascible book at the library.
D.The irascible dog wagged its tail.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'irascible'?
A.Angry
B.Gentle
C.Peaceful
D.Content
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'irascible'?
A.Calm
B.Furious
C.Annoyed
D.Agitated
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might be described as irascible?
A.The teacher was very patient with the students.
B.He often lost his temper during traffic jams.
C.She calmly resolved the conflict between her friends.
D.The manager praised the team's excellent performance.
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