pettish
UK/'petiʃ/US
GREA1
Definitions
adj.
Easily annoyed and inclined to sulk over small things; peevish
爱闹情绪的，使小性子的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpetseek, aim, strive
+
-ishsomewhat, resembling
=pettish
pettish actually comes from the noun *pet* meaning 'a fit of sulkiness, an ill humour' (as in 'in a pet') + -ish. That *pet* is related to *petty/petit* (small), not to Latin petere. So despite sitting in this family list, pettish belongs with 'petty/small,' not with 'seek.' Treat the root link as coincidental spelling.
Example Sentences
- 1.
She grew pettish whenever she didn't get her own way.