What is petulant? Pronunciation and usage in English

petulant means . Learn how to pronounce and use petulant through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of petulant

petulantadjective

/ˈpetʃələnt//ˈpetʃələnt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "petulant." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: The word is divided into three syllables:

  • pet - like the word "pet" (as in a small animal)
  • u-lant - this is the trickiest part
  • -tuhl - like "tool" but softer

2. Phonetic Breakdown (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

This is the most precise way, but don’t worry if you don’t know the IPA!

  • /ˈpɛt.əl.ənt/

3. A Step-by-Step Guide to Pronunciation:

  • "Pet": Say it clearly and distinctly – like "pet."
  • "U-lant": This is the key. Here’s how to do it:
    • Start with a short "uh" sound, like in "but." (as in "u" in "cut")
    • Then, add a sing-song, slightly rising "lant" sound, almost like a question. Think of the middle of the word "plant" but with a shorter "a" sound. It's a subtle upward inflection.
  • "-tuhl": Finish with a soft, almost whispered “tool”. Don't overemphasize the "l" sound at the end.

4. Putting it Together - Roughly:

“PET-uhl-ant” – with the “uhl” being the tricky middle part.

5. Tips and Common Errors:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "t": A lot of people tend to stress the "t" too much. It’s softer than it looks.
  • The "u" is short: It's not like the “u” in “blue.” It’s a quick, almost swallowed “uh.”
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Search for "how to pronounce petulant" on YouTube or listen to it on Merriam-Webster’s website: https://www.merriam-webster.com/audio/pronunciation/petulant

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of how it's used in a sentence?

Usage and examples with the word petulant in English

Let's break down how to use the word "petulant" effectively in English.

What does "petulant" mean?

"Petulant" describes someone who is childishly irritable, bad-tempered, and sulky, especially when they don't get their way. It's often associated with a whining or complaining attitude. It suggests a spoiled, grumpy behavior, not necessarily a huge, explosive anger.

Here's a breakdown of how to use it, with examples:

1. As an adjective (describing a person):

  • Most common usage: You use "petulant" to describe someone's character or behavior.
    • "The little boy was being utterly petulant when his mother wouldn't buy him another toy."
    • "She responded to his criticism with a petulant pout."
    • "His petulant refusal to help was frustrating for the whole team."
    • “Despite his age, he often displayed a petulant streak when things didn’t go his way.”

2. As a noun (referring to the state of being):

  • You can use "petulance" (the noun form) to describe the act or feeling of being petulant.
    • "His petulance was evident in his constant complaints and refusal to cooperate."
    • "She exhibited a noticeable petulance after failing the test."

Key Characteristics of Someone Petulant:

  • Childish: They act like a spoiled child even when they’re older.
  • Irritable: Easily annoyed and quick to anger.
  • Sulky: Withdraws and becomes gloomy when unhappy.
  • Whining/Complaining: Frequently expresses dissatisfaction in a demanding way.
  • Demanding: Often expects to always get their way.

Synonyms (words with similar meanings):

  • Grumpy
  • Irritable
  • Bad-tempered
  • Sulky
  • Ungracious
  • Spiteful (if there’s an element of intentional meanness)
  • Ill-tempered

Important Note: "Petulant" is a slightly more nuanced word than simply "grumpy." It implies a childish kind of irritation — a lack of maturity in how they express their unhappiness.

Example Sentences to Illustrate Different Contexts:

  • "After losing the game, the team captain displayed a petulant silence, refusing to speak to anyone."
  • “Don’t be petulant; just accept that you didn’t win.”
  • "The petulant teenager slammed the door and stormed off to his room."
  • "The teacher addressed the petulant student and reminded him of the importance of respectful behavior."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you writing a creative piece, a formal essay, or just looking to understand the word better?
  • Do you have a specific situation in mind where you want to use "petulant"?

Synonyms for the word petulant

Practice with vocabulary petulant

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager found his employee's constant complaining about minor task assignments rather _____, especially given the serious challenges the team was facing.
  2. Despite the clear instructions on handling customer complaints, the new support agent responded with a surprisingly _____ outburst when a client questioned his advice.
  3. After two consecutive all-nighters, the development team became noticeably _____ with each other, snapping over trivial matters.
  4. The committee appreciated her remarkably _____ approach, which aimed to find common ground rather than exacerbating disagreements among members.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes someone who behaves in a childishly sulky or bad-tempered way when they don't get what they want? a) Magnanimous b) Jovial c) Petulant d) Resilient

  2. When a senior executive threw a minor fit and pouted over a small budgetary cut, their behavior could be characterized as: a) Stoic b) Mature c) Petulant d) Peevish e) Complacent

  3. The client's _____ demands and unreasonable expectations during the negotiation made the process incredibly difficult for both parties. a) Rational b) Equitable c) Petulant d) Whining e) Balanced

  4. A person who is easily annoyed or angered by small things or minor inconveniences is typically considered: a) Gregarious b) Irritable c) Phlegmatic d) Even-tempered e) Grumpy

  5. Which word describes a person who is stubbornly refusing to change their opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade them with logical arguments? a) Acquiescent b) Compliant c) Obstinate d) Flexible

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The seasoned politician reacted with childish resentment when his proposal was voted down, refusing to shake hands with his opponents. Rewrite: (Use "petulant")

  2. Original: Her frequent and often unmerited complaints about the company's new policies made her a difficult colleague to work alongside. Rewrite: (Do not use "petulant", but a suitable replacement)

  3. Original: When the new marketing campaign didn't immediately yield the expected results, the CEO started making sarcastic comments and snapping at his team. Rewrite: (Use "petulant" or a related word form)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager found his employee's constant complaining about minor task assignments rather petulant, especially given the serious challenges the team was facing.
  2. Despite the clear instructions on handling customer complaints, the new support agent responded with a surprisingly petulant outburst when a client questioned his advice.
  3. After two consecutive all-nighters, the development team became noticeably irritable with each other, snapping over trivial matters.
  4. The committee appreciated her remarkably conciliatory approach, which aimed to find common ground rather than exacerbating disagreements among members.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Petulant
  2. c) Petulant, d) Peevish
  3. c) Petulant, d) Whining
  4. b) Irritable, e) Grumpy
  5. c) Obstinate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The seasoned politician displayed a petulant reaction when his proposal was voted down, refusing to shake hands with his opponents.
  2. Her querulous nature, stemming from frequent and often unmerited complaints about the company's new policies, made her a difficult colleague to work alongside.
  3. The CEO's behavior became quite petulant when the new marketing campaign didn't immediately yield the expected results, as he started making sarcastic comments and snapping at his team.

Comment ()