English Dictionary

Definition of “cantankerous”

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cantankerous (kænˈtæŋkərəs)

Definitions

adjective

quarrelsome; irascible

Alternative Forms

canˈtankerously adverb canˈtankerousness noun

Word Origin

C18: perhaps from C14 (obsolete) conteckour a contentious person, from conteck strife, from Anglo-French contek, of obscure origin

Synonyms

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= bad-tempered, contrary, perverse, irritable, crusty, grumpy, disagreeable, cranky, irascible, tetchy, ratty, testy, quarrelsome, waspish, grouchy, arsey, peevish, crabby, choleric, crotchety, ill-humoured, liverish, captious, difficult,

Usage examples

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