Peevishly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that shows slight anger and impatience, often over trivial matters
2. Expressing annoyance or bad temper in a touchy or petty fashion
3. Demonstrating a cranky or fretful attitude toward small inconveniences or criticism

Etymology: Peevishly is a plain formation: the adverb of "peevish", made by adding the suffix "-ly" to it. The adjective "peevish" comes from Middle English "peevish", and the "-ly" ending traces back much further, to a Proto-Germanic suffix "-līkaz" meaning "having the form or appearance of", a sense that survives in English words like "godly" and "manly". That suffix passed through Old English as "-līce", which later wore down to "-ly" in Middle English. The adverbial "-ly" therefore carries the same idea across centuries: "peevishly" literally means "in the manner of one who is peevish".

Synonyms: irritably, testily

Antonyms: calmly, patiently