Grouchily

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner that shows a continuous state of irritation and unhappiness
2. In a way that expresses persistent annoyance and displeasure
3. Showing a consistent mood of crankiness or sourness in behavior

Etymology: "Grouchily" is an adverb formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to the adjective "grouchy," so its history is really the history of that suffix. The "-ly" ending descends from an Old English form "-līċe," which in turn came from a Proto-Germanic word meaning "body-like" or "form-like," built from a root meaning "body." The idea behind the suffix was a sort of "in the manner of," so that a quality described in an adjective could be turned into a description of how something was done. The adjective "grouchy" is the base that carries the real personality here. The adverb inherits the irritable sense of the adjective directly, describing someone who acts with a sour, complaining temper.

Synonyms: grumpily, surlily

Antonyms: cheerfully, happily