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Pettish

usgb/ˈpetɪʃ/Volume
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LampPro Tip 1/3
Slight IrritationPlay
'Pettish' implies a minor annoyance or irritability, not extreme anger. SlideShe responded in a pettish tone, clearly annoyed by the trivial interruption.
LampPro Tip 2/3
Common MisusePlay
Do not confuse 'pettish' with 'petty.' 'Pettish' describes behavior, 'petty' often describes actions or things. SlideHis pettish behavior at the party was due to unimportant reasons, but it wasn't right to call his concerns petty.
LampPro Tip 3/3
Mood ContextPlay
Use 'pettish' to describe temporary moods or attitudes, not someone’s overall personality. SlideAfter missing her coffee, she was pettish all morning but returned to her cheerful self by lunchtime.