querulous
adjective
Complaining in a petulant or whining manner; habitually disposed to complain. Describes a tone or behavior marked by fretful dissatisfaction.
Etymology
From Latin "querulus" (complaining), from "queri" (to complain). Related to "quarrel" and "query," though the connection has become obscured over time.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The querulous customer demanded to speak with every level of management."
- 2.
"His querulous tone during meetings made colleagues reluctant to collaborate."
- 3.
"The elderly cat had become querulous, meowing constantly for attention."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Shakespeare used "querulous" and related words to characterize difficult personalities in his plays. Scholars have identified querulousness as a key trait in characters like Polonius and Shylock.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (Q, U, E, R, U, L, O, U, S)
Scrabble Value: 18 points
Tip: Words ending in "US" are often good scoring opportunities.
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