Vocabulary Spotlight
Cantankerous
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative.
“The cantankerous old man refused to listen to anyone’s advice.”
Pronunciation
[kan-tang-ker-uhs]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Grumpy
Quarrelsome
Testy
Petulant
Antonyms
Pleasant
Cooperative
Good-natured
Genial
Related Words
Cantankerousness (noun)
Word Origin
“Cantankerous” likely originates from the Middle English word “conteke,” meaning “discord” or “strife,” and evolved in the English language to describe someone who is argumentative and difficult to deal with.
Word Family
Noun: Cantankerousness – The quality of being bad-tempered or uncooperative.
Adverb: Cantankerously – In a quarrelsome or bad-tempered manner.
Mnemonics
Remember “Cantankerous” as “Can’t take this!” – it describes someone who’s difficult to handle.
Industry-specific Usage
Healthcare
Healthcare workers often describe challenging patients as cantankerous when they refuse treatment or are argumentative.
Customer Service
In customer service, dealing with cantankerous clients can require patience and diplomacy.
Legal
Lawyers may encounter cantankerous clients or opponents who are resistant to compromise and negotiation.
In Context
Dealing with cantankerous individuals requires patience, understanding, and often a good sense of humor to manage conflicts effectively.