petulantly
Americanadverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of petulantly
Explanation
When you do something petulantly, you are being irritable or peevish. If you petulantly roll your eyes at your boss, you might risk losing that promotion. Petulantly is the adverb formation of petulant, which comes from the Latin word petulantem, meaning “wanton,” “forward,” or “insolent.” The modern use of petulantly has morphed to mean that one is moody or childish, and no longer means that one is wanton or forward. Acting petulantly won’t get you very far. People don’t usually respond well to children acting bratty, and it’s even worse when adults do it.
Vocabulary lists containing petulantly
The Giver
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"The Lottery," Vocabulary from the short story
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"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His infamous default from the US Open in 2020 for petulantly swiping at a ball that hit a woman line judge gave a glimpse of his fiery character.
From Barron's ● Jan. 31, 2026
He kept petulantly defending his actions to the end of his life.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2024
They behave petulantly at the breakfast table and eventually go so far as to call Zeynep and Mehmet “mom” and “dad.”
From New York Times ● Mar. 7, 2024
The Charles of 2022 might best be remembered as the cranky senior citizen petulantly muttering "I hate this" as he struggles with a tricky pen on tiny desk.
From Salon ● Dec. 24, 2022
Harry and Ron waited with bated breath: Malfoy was surely seconds away from telling them it was him — but then — “I wish I knew who it is,” said Malfoy petulantly.
From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
