How Do You Spell PEEVISH?

Pronunciation: [pˈiːvɪʃ] (IPA)

Peevish [ˈpiːvɪʃ], an adjective that means easily irritated, is a word with complex spelling. The initial "p" is followed by a double "e", which is pronounced as a long "e" sound. The "v" sound is spelled with "v" while the final "ish" is pronounced with a short "i" sound but spelled with "i-s-h". Despite its tricky spelling, Peevish is a widely used word in the English language, especially in literature when describing a disgruntled person's attitude.

PEEVISH Meaning and Definition

1. Peevish is an adjective that describes someone who is easily irritated, annoyed, or cranky. A peevish person tends to complain or express dissatisfaction over petty or trivial matters. They often display a short temper or a tendency to become easily agitated. Peevishness is associated with a general disposition of being easily displeased or discontented.

   Individuals who are peevish may exhibit impatience or a heightened sensitivity to small inconveniences or annoyances. They may constantly find fault or become irritable and snappy with others over minor issues. A peevish person may frequently display a sour or sullen attitude.

   The term peevish can be used to describe a temporary state of annoyance or a chronic personality trait in some individuals. It is often associated with being in a bad mood or experiencing a negative emotional state.

   In a broader sense, peevish can also be used to describe situations or things that are characterized by irritability or annoyance. For example, a peevish weather pattern could refer to gloomy or uncomfortable weather conditions.

   Overall, the term peevish conveys the idea of someone's disposition as consistently irritable, easily displeased, and prone to expressing annoyance or discontent over trivial matters.

2. • Peevishness.

   • Cross or ill-tempered; fretful; apt to mutter and complain; hard to please.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PEEVISH

• devish
• peevs
• persish
• vevish
• pevis
• pervish
• keerish
• plejish
• geerish
• Purvish
• Peequish
• peevishous
• reevist
• Pregish
• Peeplish
• Keedish

Etymology of PEEVISH

The word "peevish" derives from the Middle English term "pevis" or "pewwish", which means "perverse" or "obstinate". It can be traced further back to the Old English word "pefisc", which means "ornery" or "perverse.” This Old English term is thought to have originated from the Proto-Germanic root "*pōfa-" meaning "angry" or "hostile". Over time, "peevish" developed its current meaning of being irritable, easily irritated, or easily annoyed.

Similar spelling words for PEEVISH

• peepshow,
• pepsi.