petulance - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
petulance Word Meanings
- the quality of being irritable and sulky
- a peevish, easily annoyed mood or attitude
- a display of childish impatience or sulkiness
petulance Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
petulance Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpɛt.ju.ləns/
US
/ˈpɛt.jə.ləns/
petulance Word Etymology
Root decomposition: root petul- with suffixes -ant for the adjective and -ance for the noun, with no prefix. Historical origin: Latin petulans insolent, via Old French pétulant, to English petulant; petulance from pétulance. Memory image: imagine a child stomping feet and pouting when annoyed.
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
Petulance is the quality of being irritable and sulky, as if a momentary mood swing defines a person. It describes a peevish, easily annoyed attitude that can flare up at small provocations and often shows itself as sulking, pouting, or snapping at others. The term implies not just a mood, but a recurring pattern: a display of childish impatience that colors reactions in conversations, responses to delays, or perceived slights. In writing, petulance carries a mild, almost whimsical judgment, signaling that the behavior is petty rather than deep. The related adjective petulant is commonly used to describe such behavior in a slightly judgmental way.
Usage Reminders
- - Petulance describes a recurring mood, not a single irritant.
- - The noun is often paired with the adjective petulant.
- - It carries a mildly negative or literary tone.
- - It usually surfaces in response to small provocations or delays.
- - In everyday speech, people might use irritable or moody instead of petulant.
Common Misconceptions
- Petulance equals simple anger or irritability in any situation.
- Petulance can describe a one-time mood rather than a pattern.
- Petulance is the same as being rude or aggressive.
- Petulant is only used for children.
- Petulance is unrelated to mood or temperament.
Thinking Differences
Petulance in English carries a literary, slightly judgmental tone; learners often confuse it with generic irritability or moodiness and may overuse petulant in casual speech. Remember it implies a pattern, not a one-off incident, and tends to appear in writing and critique rather than everyday conversation.
Learning Tips
- 1) Note that petulance is a recurring mood, not a single outburst.
- 2) Pair with the adjective petulant to describe a person.
- 3) Distinguish petulance from simple irritability or anger.
- 4) Use in formal writing or critique for a humorous, mild judgment.
- 5) Avoid overusing the word in casual conversation.
- 6) Practice with 描述行为的短句，将 focus 放在持续性上。
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
Which option best defines the word 'petulance'?
A.a peevish or sulky mood; childish irritability
B.a strong desire to travel and explore new places
C.the practice of collecting small valuable objects
D.a calm and steady state of mind
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'petulance' correctly?
A.After being turned down for the promotion, his petulance was praised by his manager.
B.They showed petulance by donating generously to the local shelter.
C.After being turned down for the promotion, his petulance showed in the sulky remarks he made all week.
D.She seasoned the stew with petulance before serving it to guests.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to 'petulance'?
A.altruism
B.serenity
C.peevishness
D.zeal
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an opposite (antonym) of 'petulance'?
A.composure
B.irritability
C.sulkiness
D.grumpiness
Step 5: Mastery
Which example best illustrates the trait described by 'petulance' (choose the one that shows the behavior, without using the word)?
A.A teenager stomped out of the room and refused to speak after being told no, sulking for the rest of the evening.
B.An employee calmly accepted feedback and asked for specific ways to improve.
C.A volunteer stayed late to finish the work cheerfully without complaint.
D.A crowd erupted in applause when the speaker finished her talk.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App